The Role of Folate Deficiency as a Potential Risk Factor for Nontraumatic Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome in an Adolescent Girl.

ABSTRACT: Nontraumatic anterior spinal artery syndrome (ASAS) is an extremely rare clinical condition in pediatric populations with a mostly unknown underlying etiology. Here we discuss the case of a previously healthy 14-year-old girl presenting with sudden onset acute flaccid paralysis to the emergency department. A spinal STIR/DWI MRI revealed hyperintensities extending from cervical vertebrae C3-6, consistent with the diagnosis of ASAS. In order to determine any precipitating causes of ASAS, we also extensively investigated established potential risk factors for ASAS in our patient and noticed that she had a marked folate deficiency requiring folic acid supplementation to prevent future episodes of ASAS as well as to repair the patient's injured spinal cord. Interestingly, the patient did not di

SUBMITTER: Hu CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9688490 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature