Paraplegia of Lower Limbs Caused by a Segmental Thrombosis of the Descending Thoracic Aorta Reversed with Endovascular Treatment-A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND

Transient paraplegia of the lower limbs is a rare condition and, when has a vascular etiology, is usually associated with thromboembolic events, aortic dissection, aortic aneurysms, or as a complication of the surgical correction of those diseases. There is no case reported of acute paraplegia caused by a segmental thrombotic subocclusion of the descending thoracic aorta.

CASE REPORT: We report a not yet described clinical situation of a young patient (51 years) admitted to the emergency care department for treatment of systemic arterial hypertension of difficult control with 4 antihypertensive medication classes. At the intensive care unit for treatment with intravenous antihypertensive medication, the patient evolved with acute paraplegia and a segmental thrombotic subocclusion of the descending thoracic aorta was diagnosed. He was submitted to endovascular treatment with total recovery of the deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

The previously normal descending thoracic aorta may be a site of segmental thrombosis and may lead to paraplegia. Early endovascular treatment can reverse this type of situation.