Nucleus Polposus Embolism Causing Anterior Spinal Artery Occlusion: A Rare but Possible Cause of Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy

Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCEM) is a rare condition where material from a spinal disc blocks blood vessels in the spinal cord, leading to infarction. This blockage can cause sudden paralysis and loss of sensation. Diagnosis is challenging and often made by excluding other possible causes. Currently, there are no effective treatments beyond supportive care and rehabilitation, and neurological recovery is often poor.

• 1
  A 58-year-old man developed complete paraplegia after a minor fall, with MRI suggesting longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis.
• 2
  After excluding other causes like inflammation and infection, nucleus polposus embolism causing anterior spinal artery syndrome was diagnosed.
• 3
  Despite treatment with steroids and rehabilitation, the patient showed no signs of neurological recovery after two years.