Acute bilateral arm paresis

Objective: To study pure motor bilateral arm paresis of acute onset. This s yndrome is as yet a barely described clinical feature attributed to ischemi a in the territory of the anterior spinal artery (ASA), Cases: We present 2 patients with acute onset of pure motor deficit in both upper extremities. Results: Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spinal cord revealed i nfarcts in the territory of the ASA. In 1 case, electrophysiology further s uggested discrete gray matter involvement. Conclusion: In patients with acu te weakness of both arms without further neurological deficits, an incomple te ASA syndrome should be considered with the anterior horns predominantly being affected. Magnetic resonance imaging and electrophysiology are valuab le tools to further confirm both location and extension of the spinal lesio n. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.