Fibrocartilaginous embolism: a cause of acute ischemic myelopathy.

STUDY DESIGN: A case report of fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) presenting as acute myelopathy. OBJECTIVES: To illustrate the clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging features of FCE. SETTING: Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center. CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old boy was diagnosed with ischemic myelopathy secondary to FCE 2 years after symptom onset. Diagnosis was delayed because the clinical and radiological characteristics were not recognized initially. After rehabilitation, the patient made a modest recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of FCE can be made by recognition of the characteristic clinical and radiological features and a high index of suspicion.