Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery (Jul 2023)

Acute Paraplegia Result from Spinal Ischemia Nine Years After Hybrid Total Arch Repair with Frozen Elephant Trunk: A Case Report

  • Zeqin Xu,
  • Zhu Tong,
  • Jianming Guo,
  • Yixia Qi,
  • Liqiang Li,
  • Lianrui Guo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.21470/1678-9741-2022-0327
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 38, no. 5

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Spinal cord ischemia due to decreased cord perfusion is a devastating complication in patients with thoracoabdominal dissection following frozen elephant trunk (FET) repair surgery. However, rare occurrence of spinal cord ischemia leading to paraplegia after long-term follow-up of FET repair has been reported. Here, we describe a case of spinal cord ischemia resulting in paraplegia nine years after hybrid total arch repair with FET. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage and serial treatment were utilized to decrease intraspinal pressure and increase blood flow to the spinal cord. Three months after the onset of paraplegia and with treatment and rehabilitation, the patient recovered to walk.

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