Spinal cord infarction secondary to pulmonary embolism-induced cardiac arrest: a case report

BMC Anesthesiology, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-022-01820-4 · Published: September 1, 2022

Simple Explanation

Pulmonary embolism can lead to cardiac arrest and subsequent ischemic injuries, but spinal cord infarction is a rare complication. This case report describes a 72-year-old woman who developed spinal cord infarction after cardiac arrest induced by pulmonary embolism. The authors emphasize the importance of monitoring for spinal cord infarction in patients who have experienced cardiac arrest and received CPR.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

A 72-year-old woman

Evidence Level

Case Report

Key Findings

1
A 72-year-old woman developed paraplegia after resuscitation from pulmonary embolism-induced cardiac arrest.
2
MRI confirmed spinal cord infarction as the cause of paraplegia.
3
The case highlights that spinal cord infarction can occur without accompanying cerebral complications in PE-induced cardiac arrest.

Research Summary

This case report describes a rare instance of spinal cord infarction (SCI) secondary to pulmonary embolism (PE)-induced cardiac arrest (CA). The patient, a 72-year-old woman, developed paraplegia after resuscitation, which was later diagnosed as SCI via MRI. The authors emphasize the importance of vigilance for SCI in post-CA patients, even in the absence of cerebral complications.

Practical Implications

Increased Vigilance

Clinicians should monitor for SCI in patients recovering from cardiac arrest, even without signs of cerebral ischemia.

Early Diagnosis

Enhanced spine MRI is a reliable diagnostic tool for detecting spinal cord ischemia.

CPR Considerations

High-quality CPR is vital, but it may not guarantee sufficient perfusion to the central nervous system.

Study Limitations

1
Single case report limits generalizability
2
Diagnostic rate of SCI may be underestimated in patients who suffered from CA because regained consciousness is not always obtained
3
The prognosis of SCI is variable in CA patients who have undergone prolonged CPR

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