PriMera Scientific Medicine and Public Health (ISSN: 2833-5627)

Review Article

Volume 4 Issue 2

Spinal Cord Ischemia - From Diagnosis to Treatment

Malgorzata Wiszniewska*, Malgorzata Sankowska

January 27, 2024

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Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the article is to outline the frequency of occurrence, course, diagnosis, possible treatment of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) on the basis of literature overview and to raise awareness of this rare yet devastating condition.

Views: SCI compared to cerebral stroke is a relatively rare disease. It is diagnosed 100 times less often than a cerebral stroke. The root causes of its origin, proper treatment and long-term prognosis are still inconclusive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with DWI is a main tool to confirm the SCI and rule out broad spectrum of possible alternative diagnoses. SCI is a medical condition, in which prompt recognition, accurate diagnostic steps, and reperfusion therapy are essential to ensure desirable functional outcome and reduce mortality and disability. Although there are no specific guidelines regarding treatment, administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) might be an effective therapy for acute ischemic stroke preventing permanent spinal dysfunction. In surgical causes, close cooperation between neurologist and neurosurgeon is necessary to provide combined appropriate management promptly.

Conclusions: Due to the relative rarity of SCI, the multi-center studies of ischemia of a spinal cord and its treatment would be advisable in neurological practice to enhance current knowledge. Fast diagnosis is crucial for appropriate care and desirable long-term outcomes.

Keywords: ischemic myelopathy; spinal cord ischemia; spinal cord infraction

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