Fibrocartilaginous Embolism Spinal Cord Infarction, Mistaken for Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Autoimmune Transverse Myelitis: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION

Fibrocartilaginous embolism causing spinal cord infarct is rare, and a high index of clinical suspicion is needed for accurate diagnosis.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old woman presented to our hospital with back pain, paraparesis, and neurogenic bladder. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a T4-T7 signal abnormality that was misdiagnosed initially and treated as autoimmune myelitis.

DISCUSSION: Fibrocartilaginous spinal cord infarction is rare and remains a clinical diagnosis with supportive imaging findings. The imaging findings may be nonspecific, and other etiologic diagnostic considerations must be excluded.

CONCLUSION

Fibrocartilaginous embolism causing spinal cord infarct can be mistaken for transverse myelitis. A high index of clinical suspicion with clinical and radiologic correlation is necessary to make accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary treatment.