Vertebral body and spinal cord infarction in a pile-driver operator with fibro-cartilaginous disc embolism

Abstract

We describe the case of a male heavy-machinery operator who presented from work with a rapidly evolving spinal cord syndrome. Spinal MRI revealed thoracic vertebral body and cord infarction and evolving mild disc prolapse attributed to fibrocartilaginous disc embolism (FCDE). Fibrocartilaginous disc embolism should be considered as one of the aetiological mechanisms of acute spinal cord infarction in pile-driver/heavy machinery operators, especially in association with adjacent vertebral body infarction and intervertebral disc prolapse. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes may evolve, warranting early follow-up MRI in appropriate cases.