Abstract
It has long been recognised that paraplegia may occur after various surgical procedures on the heart and the aorta. Paraplegia occurring following traumatic rupture of the aorta has not been commonly reported due to the dismal prognosis of such rupture. Over the past 3 years, we have encountered five patients who survived traumatic rupture of the aorta and developed paraplegia, and three patients who had chronic dissecting aneurysms of the aorta who also developed paraplegia. These patients continued to show neurological and functional improvement over the years. We are presenting these cases to illustrate their neurological improvement and to show that the prognosis for these patients may not be as dismal as previously reported once they survive the acute episode
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Lynch, C., Weingarden, S. Paraplegia following aortic surgery. Spinal Cord 20, 196–200 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1982.37
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1982.37