Posterior Spinal Cord Infarction with Atypical Neurophysiological Findings after Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
- Author:
Gyu Jin KIM
1
;
Woo-Kyoung YOO
;
Jun Hee LEE
;
Eunjee LEE
;
Minjae LEE
;
Kwang-Ik JUNG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From: Journal of Electrodiagnosis and Neuromuscular Diseases 2026;28(1):5-9
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is a rare but devastating complication of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). We report the case of a 62-year-old man who developed paraplegia with sensory deficits following VA-ECMO for septic shock. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated posterior spinal artery (PSA) infarction at the T11–T12 level. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed atypical findings, including absent sensory nerve action potentials and compound muscle action potentials, along with denervation of the lumbar paraspinal muscles. These abnormalities are not fully explained by PSA infarction alone and suggest the coexistence of central and peripheral mechanisms. This case illustrates a rare presentation of posterior SCI following VA-ECMO with atypical neurophysiological features and highlights the importance of multimodal evaluation for accurate diagnosis and rehabilitation planning.
