Abstract
Introduction
Spinal cord injury is a devastating complication, though rare but possible following the intramuscular injection of the Penicillin. The spinal cord injury can be permanent, leaving the patient with paralysis, bowel and bladder incontinence, and with other associated morbidities.
Case presentation
We report a 25-year-old gentleman who developed anterior spinal cord syndrome following the benzathine benzylpenicillin injection. In this case report, we discuss the clinical details, possible hypothesis behind spinal cord ischaemia and literature review.
Discussion
Spinal cord ischaemia or infarction occurs due to embolism of the Penicillin products. The products following injection are carried as emboli retrogradely through the superior gluteal artery and can cause infarction to the cord’s anterior part.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the patient, who kindly agreed to have his case reported to create awareness. We also acknowledge the National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, UK for letting us use the resources towards this manuscript.
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Osman, S.A.N., Swarna, S.S., Russell-Hobbs, K. et al. Spinal cord ischaemia following the gluteal injection of Benzathine benzylpenicillin. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 8, 33 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-022-00503-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-022-00503-z
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