Fibrocartilaginous embolism after mountain cycling: a case report with clinical and radiological follow-up and almost complete recovery

Abstract

IntroductionFibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is a rare spinal cord infarction due to embolism of fibrocartilaginous material with consecutive arterial infarction of the anterior spinal artery. Physical activity with increased axial pressure is the underlying mechanism of the retrograde migration of primarily nucleus pulposus material into the arterial system of the spinal cord. The initial severity of the clinical symptoms is supposed to be a prognostic predictor of recovery and so far, no specific treatment recommendation exists.MethodsWe present a case of spinal cord infarction due to FCE after long and sporty mountain cycling (during 6 hours and 2500 altitude difference) with detailed clinical and radiological follow-up.ResultsThe clinical and radiological follow-up at month 4 showed an unexpected almost complete recovery despite the extensive initial clinical impairment.ConclusionMountain cycling has not yet been described as a specific trigger of FCE with spinal cord infarction. Further observation is necessary to show if the prolonged bent posture and core muscle imbalance in cycling, in addition to the Valsalva manoeuvre during physical effort, may contribute to FCE. It is unknown if prognosis of spinal cord infarction due to FCE differs from other causes of spinal ischaemia and if anticoagulation treatment presents a therapeutic option.