Hypotensive infarction of the spinal cord

Abstract

Four patients developed infarction of the lumbar cord as a result of induced hypotension. All patients showed a lesion in the territory of the artery of Adamkiewicz. The pathophysiology of the blood supply of the spinal cord is discussed, and in particular the anatomy of the artery of Adamkiewicz. The reason why this artery is so vulnerable to hypotension is discussed. © 1994 International Medical Society of Paraplegia.