Abstract
Background
Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is rare, accounting for approximately 1% of strokes.
Case Report
We present the case of a 63-year-old male who presented to the emergency department
(ED) with chest pain and acute-onset generalized weakness and was ultimately diagnosed
with SCI secondary to suspected occlusion of the artery of Adamkiewicz.
Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?
SCI may present diagnostic challenges, with its predilection for mimicking other major
emergency conditions, such as acute aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm rupture, spinal
cord compressive myelopathy, or transverse myelitis. Its consequences are often significantly
disabling initially, though patients may experience subsequent clinical improvement.
It is important to include SCI in the differential for patients with chest or back
pain coupled with neurologic symptoms.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 26, 2019
Accepted:
June 22,
2019
Received in revised form:
June 7,
2019
Received:
April 15,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
