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

Abstract

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.