Paraplegia due to intramedullary hemorrhage after mitral valve repair.

We report the case of a patient who developed paraplegia after mitral valve repair and maze procedure. The first day after surgery, marked weakness of both lower extremities was noted. Neurologic examination showed almost complete loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the first thoracic vertebrae. Magnetic resonance imaging showed intramedullary hemorrhage ranging from the C7 to Th2 segments. Preoperative anticoagulation therapy and general heparinization during heart surgery may cause this rare complication.