Acute Aortic Occlusion With Spinal Cord Infarction
Abrupt onset bilateral leg pain, sphincter dysfunction, and stigmata of vascular compromise with lower extremity mottling and cool skin should alert providers to the possible presence of acute aortic occlusion in a patient.
Author Disclosures The authors report no actual or potential conflicts of interest with regard to this article.
Disclaimer The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Federal Practitioner, Frontline Medical Communications Inc., the US Government, or any of its agencies. This article may discuss unlabeled or investigational use of certain drugs. Please review the complete prescribing information for specific drugs or drug combinations—including indications, contraindications, warnings, and adverse effects—before administering pharmacologic therapy to patients.
Dr. Over is an Associate Professor and an Associate Residency Director at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (South Central). Dr. Deaver is a Physician at Baptist Medical Center in North Little Rock and Dr. Pumphery is a Physician at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, all in Arkansas. Dr. Over is affiliated with the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Pine Bluff Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.
Correspondence: Dr. Over (overdarrellr@uams.edu)
Conclusion
Acute aortic occlusion is a rare vascular emergency. The patient presenting with the abrupt onset of bilateral leg pain, neurologic deficits of paresis/paralysis, sensory disturbance, and/or sphincter dysfunction, and stigmata of vascular compromise with lower extremity mottling should alert the physician to AAO. Acute aortic occlusion continues to have high morbidity and mortality, and prompt recognition and appropriate transfer for surgical intervention are essential for improving outcomes.
