Paraplegic neurodeficit management post endovascular graft: a rare case of aortic dissection

J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Oct;7(10):2292-3. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2013/6668.3501. Epub 2013 Sep 20.

Abstract

Acute aortic dissection is a catastrophic episode that usually presents as a sudden, painful, ripping sensation in the chest or back. It is associated with neurologic sequelae in as many as one-third of patients. We report a case of aortic dissection, presenting as acute paraplegia. A 50-year-old patient presented to us with chief complaints of paraplegia and back pain. On examination, strength was 5/5 in both upper extremities and 0/5 in both lower extremities. Deep tendon reflexes were absent in her legs. CT angiogram of aorta Aortic Dissection Stanford type B / De-Bakey type -III. Patient was treated with endovascular graft for aortic dissection, paraplegia recovered completely.

Keywords: Aortic dissection; Endovascular grafting; Paraplegia; Recovery.