| To explore the clinical features, MRI features, cause, and prognosis of anterior spinal
artery syndrome (ASAS) and improve the understanding of spinal cord infarction. Methods: The clinical
features, MRI characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of 1 case of ASAS were retrospectively analyzed, and the
relevant literature was reviewed. Results: The patient displayed acute onset of illness, back pain, paraplegia,
thermal and pain sensory disorder, normal deep sense and tactile sense, urine retention, and fecal elimination
disorder. MRI with DWI sequence showed hyperintensities at the T7-8 and T11-12 levels within the anterior portion
of the spinal cord transection and slightly elevated T2 signals. Comprehensive treatment was adopted, and the
patient had a good prognosis. We collected the data of 207 cases of ASAS. Most patients presented with acute or
subacute onset, nerve root pain, paraplegia, dissociative sensory disorder, and autonomic nerve function disorder.
Thoracic spinal cord infarction is most common. In early disease stages, DWI is able to detect regions of spinal
cord infarction. Of the 207 patients, 74 (35.8% ) had unknown etiology. In patients under 18 years old, neck
trauma was the primary cause of spinal cord infarction. In patients aged 18 to 45 years, aortic disease was the
primary cause of spinal cord infarction. In patients over 45 years old, atherosclerosis was the primary cause of
spinal cord infarction. Conclusion: ASAS is rare, and its clinical manifestations and etiologies vary greatly. The
diffuse sequence of MRI is helpful for early diagnosis. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment is the key to
improving prognosis |