PARAPLEGIA DUE TO MEDULLARY ISCHEMIA AFTE R REPAIR OF COARCTATION OF THE AORTA IN AN INFANT

Paraplegia after repair of coarctation of the aorta is uncommon. Case report. - A 2-month-old boy underwent excision of the coarctation area and primary anastomosis because of persistent heart failure. Spastic paraplegia was noted some hours after surgery. Motor deficit partially improved, but bladder dysfunction appeared some months after. Medulla ry magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an ischemia-related narro wing of the medullary diameter. Conclusion. - Paraplegia after repair of coarctation of the aorta, described in adults and infants, is also seen in neonates. Prevention by preoperative monitoring of somatosenso ry evoked potentials is effective in adults, bur difficult to perform in very young children. (C) 1998, Elsevier, Paris.