Fibrocartilaginous embolism: a cause of acute ischemic myelopathy.

STUDY

DESIGN

A case report of fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) presenting as acute myelopathy.

OBJECTIVES

To illustrate the clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging features of FCE.

SETTING

Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center.

CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old boy was diagnosed with ischemic myelopathy secondary to FCE 2 years after symptom onset. Diagnosis was delayed because the clinical and radiological characteristics were not recognized initially. After rehabilitation, the patient made a modest recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of FCE can be made by recognition of the characteristic clinical and radiological features and a high index of suspicion.