When a patient falls (asleep) and can't get up: conversion disorder - paraplegia following general anesthesia / Quando um paciente cai (no sono) e não consegue acordar: transtorno conversivo - paraplegia após anestesia geral

Abstract Background and objectives This case report describes the rare occurrence of paraplegia caused by conversion disorder in a woman who received general anesthesia for breast surgery. Case report A 46-year-old healthy woman received general anesthesia for excision of a left breast fibroepithelial lesion. In the post-anesthesia care unit, she reported bilateral loss of both sensation and motor function below the knees. Physical signs and symptoms did not correlate with any anatomical or neurological patterns; imaging revealed no abnormalities. Psychiatric consultation was performed wherein familial stressor circumstances were identified, leading to diagnosis and management of conversion disorder. Conclusion Conversion disorder is characterized by alteration of physical function due to expression of an underlying psychological ailment. Its diagnosis requires thorough evaluation including appropriate workup to exclude organic causes. The meshing together of anesthesiology and psychiatry - as demonstrated by this case report - offers an opportunity to highlight important information pertaining to the definition, diagnosis, and management of conversion disorder as it may be encountered in the postanesthesia recovery period.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos Descrever a rara ocorrência de paraplegia causada por distúrbio conversivo em uma mulher que recebeu anestesia geral para a cirurgia de mama. Relato de caso Mulher saudável de 46 anos recebeu anestesia geral para excisão de uma lesão fibroepitelial na mama esquerda. Na sala de recuperação pós-anestesia, a paciente relatou perda bilateral de sensibilidade e motricidade abaixo dos joelhos. Os sinais físicos e sintomas não se correlacionavam com qualquer padrão anatômico ou neurológico; exame de imagem não revelou anormalidades. Uma consulta psiquiátrica foi feita e constatou circunstâncias familiares estressantes, o que levou ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento de transtorno conversivo. Conclusão O transtorno conversivo é caracterizado por alteração da função física devido à expressão de uma doença psicológica subjacente. Seu diagnóstico requer uma avaliação minuciosa, incluindo tratamento adequado para excluir causas orgânicas. O entrosamento de anestesiologia e psiquiatria, como demonstrado neste relato de caso, oferece uma oportunidade para destacar as informações importantes relativas à definição, ao diagnóstico e ao manejo do transtorno conversivo, pois esse transtorno pode ser encontrado no período de recuperação pós-anestesia.

Anterior spinal artery syndrome following coronary artery bypass grafting: a case report

Abstract We present a patient with unstable angina candidate for coronary artery bypass grafting. Saphenous vein graft was used in obtuse marginal and left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery properly. After surgery, the patient experienced flaccid paralysis of lower limb and impaired sensation of touch and warmth of knee and below. A computed tomography angiogram of lower limbs and thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed no abnormality. Based on the symptom, clinical diagnosis of anterior spinal artery syndrome was considered. The artery of Adamkiewicz is an important supplier to the anterior spinal artery. Internal thoracic mammary artery, used in coronary artery bypass grafting, is suspected as a collateral supplier of the artery of Adamkiewicz and has been accused for cause of spinal infarction.

Primary dorsal spine hydatid cyst

Primary dorsal hydatid cyst is rare and one of the important health conditions to be addressed in endemic countries and nations where the affected individuals may migrate. A twenty-seven years old female presented with gradual onset of mid-back pain and progressive numbness and weakness of both legs. MRI dorsal spine images showed multiple peripherally enhancing cystic lesions located in the posterior mediastinum with extension to adjacent vertebrae D4-5 causing destruction with kyphotic deformity and extension to posterior element. A small cystic lesion is extending to right aspect intra-spinal canal causing displacement and compression of spinal cord at D4-5 level. The clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of this case are discussed and review of the literatures is presented

Is there a right time for surgery in paraplegic patients secondary to non traumatic spinal cord compression? / Há um período exato para cirurgia em pacientes com paraplegia secundária à compressão medular não traumática?

Paraplegia is a well-defined state of complete motor deficit in lower limbs, regardless of sensory involvement. The cause of paraplegia usually guides treatment, however, some controversies remain about the time and benefits for spinal cord decompression in nontraumatic paraplegic patients, especially after 48 hours of the onset of paraplegia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of spinal cord decompression in such patients. We describe three patients with paraplegia secondary to non-traumatic spinal cord compression without sensory deficits, and who were surgically treated after more than 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. All patients, even those with paraplegia during more than 48 hours, had benefits from spinal cord decompression like recovery of gait ability. The duration of paraplegia, which influences prognosis, is not a contra-indication for surgery. The preservation of sensitivity in this group of patients should be considered as a positive prognostic factor when surgery is taken into account.

A paraplegia é uma condição de déficit motor completo dos membros inferiores, independente do envolvimento de sensibilidade. A causa da paraplegia normalmente guia o tratamento, porém existem controversas sobre o momento e o benefício da descompressão medular em pacientes paraplégicos, principalmente após 48 horas do início dessa condição. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o beneficio da descompressão medular nesses pacientes. Foram descritos três pacientes com paraplegia secundária à compressão medular não traumática, sem déficits sensoriais e que foram submetidos à cirurgia após 48 horas do início dessa condição. Todos os pacientes, inclusive aqueles com mais de 48 horas do início dos sintomas, apresentaram melhora neurológica com a descompressão medular, como a recuperação da habilidade de marcha. A duração da paraplegia, que influencia no prognóstico, não é uma contraindicação absoluta para o procedimento cirúrgico. A preservação de sensibilidade desse grupo de pacientes deve ser considerada como fator prognóstico positivo quando a cirurgia for levada em conta.

Profile and Outcome of Non-Traumatic Paraplegia in Kano; Northwestern Nigeria

Aim: This study was aimed to identify the clinical and radiological profile of non-traumatic paraplegia and the various etiologies associated with the condition. Materials and Methods: A review of the clinical and radiological presentations of adult patients presenting with non-traumatic paraplegia managed at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and Murtala Specialist Hospital (MMSH); Kano; from June 2006 to November 2009 was carried out. Patients underwent a detailed clinical evaluation followed by laboratory investigation and neuroimaging studies and were followed up for 9 months to asses outcome and complications. Results: 98 patients with non-traumatic paraplegia consisting of 71 males and 27 females (M:F: 5:2) were seen. The age range of the patients was between 16 and 76 years; with a mean age of 40 years (SD = 15.3) years; 54 (55) of the patients presented after 2 months of the onset of paraplegia. The commonest symptoms were weakness of the lower limbs (100); loss of sensation (55); sphincteric disturbance (50) radicular pain and paresthesia (38.4); back pain (21.4) and erectile dysfunction (40). All the patients had X-ray of the spine; 26.3had Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) spine. The commonest etiological factors were tuberculosis (TB) (44.4); transverse myelitis (13.1); Guillain-Barre syndrome (9.1); metastatic spinal disease (4); and HIV myelopathy (4). However; the cause could not be identified in 14 (14) of the patients. The commonest site of affectation in those with TB spine was lower thoracic (53.8) and upper lumbar (23.1) vertebrae. Conclusion: Clinical profile of non-traumatic paraplegia in Kano; northwestern Nigeria; is similar to that reported elsewhere in Africa; with spinal tuberculosis and transverse myelitis accounting for over half the cases

Paraplejia secundaria a quiste óseo aneurismático de columna torácica / Paraplegia due to aneurismatic bone cyst of the thoracic spine

Objectives: Case report of progressive paraparesis secondary to Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of thoracic spine presenting over 40 years. Describe diagnostic triad: clinical, imaging and anatomopathologic examination. Describe the choice of surgical treatment and clinical outcomes. Performed literature review of Spine Aneurysmal Bone Cyst.

Objetivo: Dar a conocer el caso de un paciente que presenta una paraparesia progresiva secundaria a quiste óseo aneurismático (QOA) de columna torácica de presentación sobre los 40 años. Describir la triada diagnóstica en patología tumoral: clínica, imágenes y estudio anatomopatológico. Describir la elección del tratamiento quirúrgico y los resultados clínicos del caso. Se realiza revisión de la literatura publicada de QOA de columna.

Sequential Magnetic Resonance Imaging Finding of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Abscess including Diffusion Weighted Image: a Case Report

Intramedullary spinal cord abscess (ISCA) is a rare infection of the central nervous system. We describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, including the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings, of ISCA in a 78-year-old man. The initial conventional MRI of the thoracic spine demonstrated a subtle enhancing nodule accompanied by significant edema. On the follow-up MRI after seven days, the nodule appeared as a ring-enhancing nodule. The non-enhancing central portion of the nodule appeared hyperintense on DWI with a decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value on the ADC map. We performed myelotomy and surgical drainage, and thick, yellowish pus was drained.

Paraplegia espástica causada por cisticercose intramedular: apresentação de caso e breve revisão bibliográfica / Spastic paraplegia due to spinal cord cisticercosis: case report

Relato de cisticercose intramedular em homem de 42 anos que há seis anos sentia parestesias em ambas as pernas, que evoluíram para ausência de sensação dolorosa, por fim paraparesia espástica dos membros inferiores. Ao exame físico, verificaram-se sinal de Babinski bilateral, espasticidade dos membros inferiores e déficit de sensibilidade abaixo de T7. Ressonância nuclear magnética mostrou uma lesão expansiva ao nível de T5. Durante a exérese do processo, constatou-se que se tratava de cisticercose, em sua forma tumoral intramedular. Após a retirada, o mesmo evoluiu de maneira satisfatória, porém sem regressões dos sintomas.

A case of spinal cord cysticercosis in a 42 year-old man is reported. He presented a six years history of paresthesia in both legs, which progressed to lack of feeling pain, spastic paraparesis of the lower limbs. On physical examination there was bilateral Babinski sign, spasticity of the lower limbs, and lack of sensitivity below T7. The magnetic resonance imaging showed an expansive lesion at the level of T5. Patient was referred for excision of the process, and while it was withdrawn, it was found that to be a cysticercosis in a shape of spinal cord tumor. There was no postoperative complication but the symptoms did not improve.

Paraplegia após revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio: relato de caso / Paraplegia after myocardial revascularization: case report / Paraplejia después de la revascularización quirúrgica del miocardio: relato de caso

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os avanços ocorridos na Anestesiologia permitiram melhores índices de segurança. Várias técnicas e agentes são utilizados visando controlar a resposta hemodinâmica e minimizar os efeitos adversos do estimulo cirúrgico em pacientes submetidos a procedimentos cardíacos. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente de 70 anos, masculino, 1,74 m, 75 kg, ASA III, e NYHA II. Portador de dislipidemia, diabetes mellitus tipo II e hipertensão arterial controladas; tabagismo, enfermidade vascular periférica e história de infarto agudo do miocárdio há 20 anos. O paciente foi submetido a revascularização com artéria mamária interna esquerda e enxertos de safena com pinçamento intermitente da aorta em circulação extracorpórea. Durante as primeiras 24 horas na UTI apresentou eventos de instabilidade hemodinâmica, hipotensão súbita e fibrilação atrial. Após 26 horas do final do procedimento cirúrgico, o paciente estava acordado, hemodinamicamente estável e com boa dinâmica respiratória quando foi extubado. O paciente estava comunicativo, orientado, porém com imobilidade e reflexos abolidos nos membros inferiores. Na avaliação neurológica: pares de nervos cranianos sem alteração, ausência de queixa de dor de qualquer tipo da cintura pélvica para baixo, preservação da sensibilidade superficial e profunda, perfusão distal adequada sem edemas, e paraplegia flácida na região abaixo de T8. Exame de ecocardiografia sem alterações. A tomografia computadorizada da coluna lombo-sacra, não mostrou massa compressiva no espaço epidural ou adjacente. CONCLUSÃO: A síndrome da artéria espinhal anterior, deve ser sempre considerada nos procedimentos de manipulação da aorta. A prevenção, particularmente nos pacientes de risco é necessária. A tomografia computadorizada é importante para o diagnóstico diferencial e a ressonância magnética para a localização da lesão.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Developments in anesthesiology have improved safety indices. Several techniques and agents are used to control the hemodynamic response and minimize adverse effects triggered by surgical stimuli in patients undergoing cardiac procedures. CASE REPORT: This is a 70 years old male patient, 1.74 m, 75 kg, ASA III, and NYHA II. The patient had controlled dyslipedemia, type II diabetes mellitus, and hypertension; history of smoking, peripheral vascular disease, and myocardial infarction 20 years ago. The patient underwent revascularization with the left internal mammary artery and saphenous grafts with extracorporeal circulation with intermittent clamping of the aorta. During the first 24 hours in the ICU, the patient developed hemodynamic instability, sudden hypotension, and atrial fibrillation. Twenty-six hours after the end of the surgery, the patient was awake, hemodynamically stable, and with good respiratory dynamics, being extubated. The patient was talkative and oriented, but immobile and negative reflexes in the lower limbs. Neurological evaluation showed: cranial nerves without changes, no complaints of pain below the hips, preserved superficial and deep sensitivity, adequate distal perfusion without edema, and flaccid paraplegia below T8. The echocardiogram did not show any changes. CT scan of the lumbosacral spine was negative for compressive mass in the epidural space or adjacent to it. CONCLUSION: Anterior spinal artery syndrome should be considered in procedures with manipulation of the aorta. Prevention, especially in patients at risk, is necessary. Computed tomography, for the differential diagnosis, and MRI, to localize the lesion, are important.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: En las últimas décadas, los avances que se han dado en anestesiología resultaron en una reducción de los indicadores de morbilidad y mortalidad. En ese contexto, varias técnicas y agentes anestésicos han sido utilizados para controlar la respuesta hemodinámica y minimizar los efectos perjudiciales provenientes del estimulo quirúrgico en pacientes sometidos a procedimientos cardíacos. En cirugía cardíaca, la asociación de la anestesia regional a la anestesia general, ha sido motivo de muchas controversias entre los anestesistas, además de haber promovido muchos estudios en los últimos años. El surgimiento de las complicaciones neurológicas, es una situación devastadora que puede ocurrir después de una cirugía cardiovascular. En este artículo, relatamos un caso de paraplejia ocurrida en un paciente de 70 años, del sexo masculino, y después de una cirugía de revascularización del miocardio añadiéndosele opioide subaracnoideo a la anestesia general.

Thoracic intramedullary epidermoid with paraplegia for 12 years

A man presented with progressive motor and sensory loss in both lower limbs for 12 years with fecal and urinary incontinence MRI of dorsal spine showed an intramedullary mass in the dorsal cord at D5-D6 level which had a pearly white appearance on exploration. Complete excision was performed leading to good recovery in sensation, movements and sphincter control. Epidermoids should be considered in differential diagnosis of intramedullary tumours. Their removal leads to complete recovery

Simultaneous occurrence of brain tumor and myeloradiculopathy in schistosomiasis mansoni: case report / Ocorrência simultânea de tumor cerebral e mielorradiculopatia na esquistossomose mansoni: relato de caso

Simultaneous occurrence of brain tumor and myeloradiculopathy in cases of Manson's schistosomiasis have only rarely been described. We report the case of a 38-year-old man who developed seizures during a trip to Puerto Rico and in whom a brain tumor was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging: brain biopsy revealed the diagnosis of schistosomiasis. He was transferred to a hospital in the United States and, during hospitalization, he developed sudden paraplegia. The diagnosis of myeloradiculopathy was confirmed at that time. He was administered praziquantel and steroids. The brain tumor disappeared, but the patient was left with paraplegia and fecal and urinary dysfunction. He has now been followed up in Brazil for one year, and his clinical state, imaging examinations and laboratory tests are presented here.

Tem sido descrita, raramente, na esquistossomose mansônica, a ocorrência simultânea de tumor cerebral e mielorradiculopatia. Relatamos aqui o caso de um homem de 38 anos que desenvolveu convulsões, durante viagem a Porto Rico, e um tumor cerebral foi diagnosticado à ressonância magnética: a biópsia do cérebro revelou o diagnóstico de esquistossomose. Ele foi transferido para hospital na América do Norte e durante a hospitalização desenvolveu súbita paraplegia. O diagnóstico de mielorradiculopatia foi confirmado na ocasião. Ele recebeu praziquantel e esteróides. O tumor cerebral desapareceu, mas o paciente permaneceu com paraplegia, disfunção urinária e fecal. Ele tem sido acompanhado no Brasil no último ano e o seu estado clínico, os métodos de imagem e os exames de laboratório são apresentados aqui.

Clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of persons with traumatic paraplegia living in São Paulo, Brazil / Características clínicas e sócio demográficas de pessoas com paraplegia traumática na cidade de São Paulo

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical profile of individuals with paraplegia living in São Paulo, Brazil. METHOD: The sample consisted of 60 outpatients with traumatic paraplegia from whom clinical and demographic data were obtained. RESULTS: The patients were predominately men (86.7 percent), single (61.7 percent), with mean age of 32.9 (SD=9.47) years, and complete or incomplete primary education (63.3 percent). Although 41.7 percent were born in different states, all patients were current residents of São Paulo, Brazil. The most frequent cause of paraplegia was firearm injury (63.3 percent) followed by car accident (20 percent). The most common complications observed in the patients were urinary (88.3 percent) and anal (45 percent) incontinence, muscle spasm (65 percent), and pressure ulcers (26.7 percent). CONCLUSION: The data revealed that the sample consisted predominantly of young males with low education level, showing complications due to SCI, and who were victims of urban violence.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o perfil de paraplégicos que vivem na cidade de São Paulo. MÉTODO: Foram incluídos 60 paraplégicos por causa traumática. O instrumento de coleta de dados constava de dados demográficos e clínicos. RESULTADOS: A maioria era do sexo masculino (86,7 por cento), com média de idade igual a 32,9 (DP=9,47) anos, sendo 61,7 por cento solteiros. Em relação à naturalidade 41,7 por cento nasceram em outros estados, porém todos residiam em São Paulo. A causa mais freqüente da paraplegia foi por ferimento por arma de fogo (63,3 por cento), seguida por acidente automobilístico (20 por cento). Quanto às complicações decorrentes da lesão medular, destaca-se a presença de incontinência urinária (88,3 por cento) e anal (45 por cento), o espasmo muscular (65 por cento) e a úlcera por pressão (26,7 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados encontrados permitiram verificar uma amostra de pessoas em sua maioria do sexo masculino, jovem, com baixa escolaridade e que apresentam complicações decorrentes da lesão medular e em grande parte, vítimas da violência dos grandes centros urbanos.

Dengue infection in patients presenting with neurological manifestations in a dengue endemic population / Infección de dengue en pacientes que se presentan con manifestaciones neurológicas en una población con dengue endémico

The evaluation of the contribution of neurological dengue in suspected central nervous system (CNS) viral infections is essential to better understand the impact of neurological dengue on morbidity and mortality in dengue endemic regions such as Jamaica. For this study, 401 cases of suspected viral CNS infections were investigated for evidence of dengue infection. The frequency of neurological dengue among these CNS cases was found to be 13.5% (54/401). Fifty-three cases were confirmed serologically by haemagglutination inhibition assay (HI) and IgM antibody (ELISA) and the virus was isolated in one case only. Clinical manifestations among dengue positive CNS cases included encephalitis in 51.8% (28/54), meningitis in 33.3% (18/54), seizures in 11.1% (6/54) and acute flaccid paralysis/Guillain-Barré syndrome in 3.7% (2/54). The clinical diagnosis of dengue neurological infection corresponded with laboratory confirmation in 22.2% (12/54) of cases only. Deaths occurred in 3.7% (2/54) of cases and were associated with patients with dengue neurological infection. The high risk of dengue among patients with suspected viral CNS infections in this study supports the need for an increased index of suspicion of dengue in patients presenting with neurological manifestations in dengue endemic countries.

La evaluación de la contribución del dengue neurológico en las infecciones virales sospechadas del sistema nervioso central (SNC) resulta esencial para un mejor entendimiento del impacto del dengue neurológico en la morbilidad y mortalidad en regiones donde el dengue es endémico tales como Jamaica. Para este estudio 401 casos de infecciones virales sospechadas del SNC fueron investigados en busca de evidencia de infección por dengue. Se haló entonces que la frecuencia del dengue neurológico entre estos casos de SNC, fue de 13.5% (54/401). Cincuenta y tres casos fueron confirmados por serología mediante ensayos de inhibición de hemaglutinación (IH) y ELISA para la detección de anticuerpos IgM, siendo el virus aislado sólo en un caso. Las manifestaciones clínicas entre los casos que resultaron positivos al dengue, incluyeron encefalitis en 51.8 % (28/54), meningitis en 33.3% (18/54), convulsiones en 11.1% (6/54) y parálisis facial aguda/síndrome Barré Guillain en 3.7% (2/54). El diagnóstico clínico de infección neurológica por dengue estuvo en correspondencia con la confirmación del laboratorio sólo en el 22.2% (12/ 54) de los casos. Se produjeron muertes en el 3.7% (2/54) de los casos, las cuales estuvieron asociadas con pacientes con infección neurológica por dengue. El alto riesgo de dengue entre los pacientes con sospecha de infecciones virales de SNC en este estudio, apunta a la necesidad de aumentar el índice de sospecha de dengue en pacientes que se presentan con manifestaciones neurológicas en países donde el dengue es endémico.

Guillain-Barre syndrome in north eastern Iran; 1999-2005

To study the clinical presentation, hospital course and outcomes of patients admitted with Guillain-Barre Syndrome [CBS] to three tertiary care hospitals in Mashhad, Iran. The records of all patients admitted with flaccid paralysis between April 1999 and January 2005 were reviewed and those with the diagnosis of GBS were included in the study. Standard questionnaires were used to record clinical data on was recorded on a standardized questionnaire, which included patients' age, sex, antecedent infectious history, neurological signs and symptoms and ventilation requirements. The hospital course, including therapy given and the functional status of patients, was analyzed, including therapy given and the functional status of patients. Ninety-one cases of acute flaccid paralysis were admitted to the hospitals during the study period. Eighty-three cases, age range 10 months to 11 years, were later diagnosed as GBS afterwards, with age range of 10 months to 11 years. The mean age for disease onset was 4.2 years; there were 47 boys and 34 girls, male to female ratio 1:0.7. Upper respiratory tract infection [62.6%] was the most common antecedent event, followed by gastrointestinal infections [19%], urinary tract infection [1.2%] and chicken pox [2.4%], while the remaining cases [14.8%] had no other cases [14.8%] did not have any reliable history of any preceding antecedent infections. Most patients developed GBS within one month of the preceding infection. Cranial nerve abnormalities [19.3%], autonomic dysfunction [7.2%] and respiratory failure requiring intubation [10.8%] were also common. The in-patient mortality was 2.4% [2 of 83]. GBS was found to occur slightly more often in male patients, majority of whom had histories of previous infection. Despite persistent disability, in-hospital mortality was low

A young male with paraplegia, massive cervical adenopathy and nondiagnostic biopsy specimens.

An 18-year-old man presenting with paraplegia due to spinal epidural infiltration at D6-D7 underwent laminectomy and spinal decompression followed by near-complete resolution of neurological symptoms; but this resolution was followed by progressively enlarging cervical lymph nodes. Leucocytosis, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a marked polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia and a moderate hepatosplenomegaly were found. The diagnosis of sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML), also known as Rosai-Dorfman disease was established histologically by lymph node biopsy about 2 years after presentation.

Pré-condicionamento isquêmico e monitorização da função medular na abordagem da aorta torácica descendente / Ischemic preconditioning and spinal cord function monitoring in the descending thoracic aorta approach

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a eficácia do pré-condicionamento isquêmico (PI) agudo, guiado por potenciais evocados somatossensoriais (PESS), como método de proteção medular em cães e analisar o valor dos PESS na monitorização da função medular. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 28 cães submetidos à isquemia medular obtida pelo pinçamento da aorta torácica descendente. No grupo C45, o tempo de oclusão aórtica foi de 45 min (n = 7); no grupo PI45, os cães foram submetidos ao PI antes do pinçamento aórtico por 45 min (n = 7). No grupo C60, os cães foram submetidos a 60 min de oclusão aórtica (n = 7) e no grupo PI60, os cães foram submetidos ao PI, seguido pelo pinçamento aórtico por 60 min. Os ciclos de PI foram determinados pelas alterações dos PESS. RESULTADOS: Os índices de Tarlov dos grupos pré-condicionados foram significativamente melhores que os dos grupos de controle (p = 0,005). Observou-se paraplegia em três cães do C45 e em seis do C60, enquanto todos os cães do PI45 permaneceram neurologicamente normais, assim como quatro do grupo PI60. Houve correlação entre o tempo de recuperação dos PESS após a reperfusão aórtica e o estado neurológico pós-operatório (p = 0,011), com sensibilidade e especificidade de 0,75 e 0,83, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: O PI agudo repetitivo, baseado na monitorização do PESS, induziu proteção à isquemia medular causada pelo pinçamento aórtico prolongado. A monitorização do PESS parece ser um bom método de detecção precoce do comprometimento isquêmico medular.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of acute ischemic preconditioning (IP), based on somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) monitoring, as a method of spinal cord protection and to asses SSEP importance in spinal cord neuromonitoring. METHODS: Twenty-eight dogs were submitted to spinal cord ischemic injury attained by descending thoracic aorta cross-clamping. In the C45 group, the aortic cross-clamping time was 45 min (n=7); in the IP45 group, the dogs were submitted to IP before the aortic cross-clamping for 45 min (n=7). In the C60 group, the dogs were submitted to 60 min of aortic cross-clamping (n=7), as in the IP60 group that was previously submitted to IP. The IP cycles were determined based on SSEP changes. RESULTS: Tarlov scores of the IP groups were significantly better than those of the controls (p = 0.005). Paraplegia was observed in 3 dogs from C45 and in 6 from C60 group, although all dogs from IP45 group were neurologically normal, as 4 dogs from IP60. There was a significant correlation between SSEP recovery time until one hour of aortic reperfusion and the neurological status (p = 0.011), showing sensitivity of 75 percent and specificity of 83 percent. CONCLUSION: Repetitive acute IP based on SSEP is a protection factor during spinal cord ischemia, decreasing paraplegia incidence. SSEP monitoring seems to be a good neurological injury assessment method during surgical procedures that involve spinal cord ischemia.