Spinal cord infarction caused by extensive aortic intramural hematoma

We report the case of a 62-year-old Caucasian man, an ex-smoker, who presented to the emergency room complaining of intense lower back pain followed by immediate bilateral loss of inferior limbs motor function. Clinical examination showed complete paralysis and paranesthesia in both legs, while pain and temperature sensory examination revealed a sensory level at dermatome T6, with normal touch, vibration, and position senses. His blood pressure was 190/100 mmHg. Computed tomography demonstrated dilated thoracic aorta (maximum diameter 44 mm) and abdominal aorta (maximum 58 mm), with extended intramural hematoma (IMH), thus establishing the diagnosis of type A aortic IMH complicated with paraplegia through spinal perfusion deficit. Due to the extension of the lesions, surgical intervention for aortic repair was considered at high risk while cerebrospinal fluid drainage was not recommended by the neurologist. The patient remained stable while hospitalized and was released from the hospital with mild improvement of neurological deficiencies.