Prognosis of Paraplegia after Receiving Transarterial Chemoembolization for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report

Authors

I-Wei Chen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40432, Taiwan
Hsueh-Chou Lai, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40432, Taiwan
Chien-Lin Lin, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40432, TaiwanFollow

Abstract

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard treatment for patients with Barcelona clinic liver cancer staging system stage B hepatocellular carcinoma. However, various TACE complications have been reported, and spinal infarction is one of the rarest. To date, only six specific case reports written in English have been published. We report a rare case of TACE-related spinal cord infarction and compare this case with cases in other reports and literature reviews. The patient experienced a sudden onset of paraplegia, sensory impairment below the T8 dermatome and had difficultly voiding immediately after TACE. The T2WI and DWI found hyperintensity 3.5 hours after the onset of symptoms. The patient received high-dose cerebrolysin, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and traditional rehabilitation. However, 10 months after TACE, motor symptoms were not alleviated. Meanwhile, sensory symptoms were gradually alleviated. The impact of this rare complication to personal life, family, and social participation is overwhelming. Therefore, we should direct our attention to this rare complication and its prognosis.

Recommended Citation

Chen, I-Wei; Lai, Hsueh-Chou; and Lin, Chien-Lin (2023) "Prognosis of Paraplegia after Receiving Transarterial Chemoembolization for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report," Rehabilitation Practice and Science: Vol. 2023: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6315/3005-3846.2221
Available at: https://rps.researchcommons.org/journal/vol2023/iss2/4