Stroke and spinal infarct caused by percutaneous coronary intervention

A 71-year-old woman with multiple comorbidities developed both stroke and spinal infarction after undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The likely cause was a thromboembolic event, where a blood clot dislodged and blocked blood supply to both the brain and spinal cord. This case highlights the importance of carefully weighing the risks and benefits of PCI, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions that increase their risk of stroke.

• 1
  The patient developed a right frontal lobe infarct and spinal infarction at the T9-T10 level, extending to the conus medullaris, confirmed by MRI.
• 2
  Transoesophageal echocardiogram revealed severe immobile atherosclerotic plaques from the aortic arch through the descending aorta, suggesting a source for thromboembolism.
• 3
  Despite treatment, the patient experienced long-term debility, including loss of lower extremity function, requiring skilled nursing care.