Bone Infarct as an Indicator of Acute Spinal Ischaemia

Case Reports in Pediatrics, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/9703625 · Published: February 27, 2020

Simple Explanation

The case report discusses a teenage girl who experienced acute weakness and paraesthesia in her lower limbs following a seemingly minor incident. Initial tests, including an MRI, were normal, delaying accurate diagnosis. After 10 days, a repeated MRI revealed a bone infarct, which is damage to the bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. This finding was crucial in diagnosing spinal ischaemia (reduced blood flow to the spinal cord). The patient was treated with acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and underwent rehabilitation. Over a year, her mobility improved significantly, demonstrating the potential for recovery with appropriate diagnosis and intervention.

Study Duration

One-year follow-up

Participants

A teenage girl

Evidence Level

Case Report

Key Findings

1
Initial MRI scans can be normal in cases of acute spinal ischemia, necessitating repeat imaging if symptoms persist.
2
Bone infarcts in the vertebral body can serve as an indicator of acute spinal ischemia, even in the absence of other clear signs.
3
Early diagnosis and treatment, including medication and rehabilitation, can lead to improved mobility and reduced neurological sequelae in patients with spinal cord infarction.

Research Summary

This case report presents a rare instance of acute spinal cord infarction in a teenager following a minor trauma, initially presenting with normal MRI findings. The key to diagnosis was the identification of a bone infarct on a repeat MRI, highlighting the importance of considering spinal ischemia in cases of acute myelopathy with dorsolumbar pain. The patient's improvement with acetylsalicylic acid and rehabilitation underscores the potential for positive outcomes with timely and appropriate management of spinal cord infarction.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Awareness

Clinicians should consider spinal cord infarction in the differential diagnosis of acute myelopathy, even in the absence of significant trauma or risk factors.

Repeat Imaging

Repeat MRI scans should be considered in patients with persistent symptoms of myelopathy, even if initial imaging is normal, to identify subtle signs such as bone infarcts.

Early Intervention

Prompt treatment with antiplatelet agents and rehabilitation may improve outcomes in patients with spinal cord infarction.

Bone Infarct as an Indicator of Acute Spinal Ischaemia

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Awareness

Repeat Imaging

Early Intervention

Study Limitations

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Bone Infarct as an Indicator of Acute Spinal Ischaemia

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Awareness

Repeat Imaging

Early Intervention

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?