Acute occlusion of the posterior spinal vein. Experimental study in monkeys.

The posterior spinal vein was occluded with silicone in seven rhesus monkeys, and locally resected in one. There were no neurological findings associated with acute venous obstruction of the cord. Follow-up arteriography revealed diversion of venous outflow into the anterior spinal venous system. Histology revealed gliosis associated with demyelinization confined to the posterior columns.