Non-traumatic spinal cord infarction of the conus medullaris in a child: a case report

Introduction The etiologies of pediatric spinal cord infarction are commonly cardiovascular problems resulting from hypotensive events from trauma and abdominal aortic surgery. Non-traumatic spinal cord infarction in children is rare and remains difficult to diagnose. We report a case of non-traumat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Spinal cord series and cases 2021-07, Vol.7 (1), p.59-59, Article 59
Main Authors: Seo, Zee Won, Huh, Sungchul, Ko, Hyun-Yoon
Format: Article
Language:English
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Anatomy
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biomedicine
Case Report
Case reports
Human Physiology
Neurochemistry
Neuropsychology
Neurosciences
Pediatrics
Rehabilitation
Spinal cord
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Summary:Introduction The etiologies of pediatric spinal cord infarction are commonly cardiovascular problems resulting from hypotensive events from trauma and abdominal aortic surgery. Non-traumatic spinal cord infarction in children is rare and remains difficult to diagnose. We report a case of non-traumatic spinal cord infarction of the conus medullaris in a child who recovered after receiving only rehabilitative treatment. Case presentation A 12-year-old female patient experienced sudden low back pain for 2 days, followed by weakness in the lower extremities and difficulties in micturition. On admission, magnetic resonance imaging indicated spinal cord infarction of the conus medullaris. After initial treatment with prednisone and mannitol, a few weeks of intensive rehabilitation was recommended. Physical therapy focused on improving lower limb strength. A plastic solid ankle-foot orthosis was used with Lofstrand crutches throughout the period of rehabilitation. After 2 months of rigorous therapy, she was able to walk independently. Discussion Non-traumatic spinal cord infarction of the conus medullaris in children is extremely rare. The current case is unique because it involves a patient who presented with pediatric spinal cord infarction of the conus medullaris and showed remarkable neurological recovery after rehabilitation. The case describes a rare spinal cord infarction in a pediatric patient and emphasizes the importance of providing an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
ISSN:2058-6124
2058-6124
DOI:10.1038/s41394-021-00425-2