An unusual presentation of autonomic dysreflexia-autonomic dysreflexia due to pneumatic stockings

Abstract

Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially dangerous clinical emergency associated with spine injury at or above T6 level. Identification of triggering factor and its removal is a very important for the management of this condition. We hereby report a rare presentation of autonomic dysreflexia in a 57-year-old male, a case of D9–L1 arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with prolapsed intervertebral disc L3–L4 who underwent laminectomy from D6 to L4 level followed by excision of the AVM under general anaesthesia. He developed symptoms and signs suggestive of autonomic dysreflexia following application of intermittent compression pneumatic stockings which were reversed after the removal of the stimulus. Application of intermittent compression pneumatic stockings is an unusual cause of autonomic dysreflexia.

Keywords

• autonomic dysreflexia
• intermittent compression pneumatic stockings
• spinal arteriovenous malformation
• spinal surgery