Spinal cord ischemia secondary to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is accepted worldwide as an effective treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Although considered relatively safe, TACE has been associated with several complications. Spinal cord ischemia secondary to TACE is an extremely rare but disastrous complication. We report a very rare case of spinal cord injuries after TACE, together with a literature review. During the procedure, the patient suddenly experienced sensory impairment below the T10 dermatome and bilateral lower extremity motor weakness. She was given high-dose steroids and supportive therapy. The sensory deficits nearly improved completely, but motor strength remained unchanged. Thereafter, a chest computed tomography scan showed tumor metastasis to the lungs. The patient is now receiving sorafenib and follow-up.

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem worldwide as more than 700,000 cases are diagnosed yearly. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death and is currently the main event leading to death in patients with cirrhosis [1]. Many patients with HCC present advanced-stage disease when first diagnosed. There is a variety of different therapeutic modalities used to treat advanced HCC [2]. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the main methods for unresectable HCC [3]. Although considered a relatively safe procedure, TACE may be associated with multiple side effects. Neurological deficits after TACE are very rare and usually due to lipoidal embolism in the central nervous system. Spinal cord injury is an extremely rare complication after TACE and can lead to significant morbidity [4]. Here, we report a rare case of paraplegia that occurred after TACE to treat HCC, and review the previous literature.

Case Report

A 62-year-old woman with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes was diagnosed with advanced HCC. She was admitted to our institution for her first course of TACE via the proper hepatic artery by using a mixture of 30 ml Lipiodol, 50 mg cisplatin and 50 mg doxorubicin, as well as gelatin sponge particles (1,400–2,000 μm) and coils (5 × 8 mm). On admission, she had Child-Pugh class A hepatitis C virus-associated cirrhosis and did not complain of any neurological symptoms or signs. Upon physical examination, blood pressure was 132/87 mm Hg, and pulse rate, respiratory rate and body temperature were normal. The results of a blood test were as follows: hemoglobin 11.8 g/dl (normal 12.0–18.0), white blood cell count 6,450/mm3 (normal 4,000–10,000), platelet count 190,000/mm3 (normal 150,000–450,000) and albumin 39 g/l (normal 38–50). Coagulation time, liver function studies and renal function were within normal range.

During TACE, the patient suddenly experienced sensory impairment below the T10 dermatome and bilateral lower extremity motor weakness. This was associated with urinary retention. Neurological examination revealed weakness of the lower extremities (Medical Research Council grade 2+ on the right side and 1+ on the left side). Somatic senses were prominently impaired below dermatome T10 without loss of proprioception. Deep tendon reflex of both legs was accelerated with positive sign of Babinski reflex. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed 24 h after the TACE procedure and revealed increased intramedullary signal intensity at the T10 level in T2-weighted images (fig. 1, fig. 2).

Fig. 1

T2-weighted sagittal MRI of the spine showing increased intramedullary signal intensity at the T10 level.

Fig. 2

T2-weighted axial MRI of the thoracic spine at the T10 level showing increased signal intensity of the spinal cord.

The patient was given high-dose steroids (1 g of methyl prednisolone per day for 5 days) and supportive therapy while urinary retention was treated by placement of a urinary catheter into the bladder. Functional exercise was added during the following days. The sensory deficits nearly improved completely, but motor strength remained unchanged. Thereafter, a chest computed tomography scan showed tumor metastasis to the lungs. The patient is now receiving 400 mg oral sorafenib bi-daily on a continuous basis and follow-up.

Discussion

HCC is a common cause of cancer-related deaths throughout the world [5]. The dominant arterial vascular supply of HCC provides the rationale to treat these cancers with TACE [1, 6]. A cumulative meta-analysis of informative trials has positioned TACE as the first-line option for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B patients (multifocal HCC without vascular invasion and/or extrahepatic spread, Child-Pugh class A–B, performance status 0), with a median survival exceeding 4 years [1].

Although the positive characteristics of TACE are its being less invasive and relatively safe, TACE may be associated with multiple side effects [7]. A common adverse event is post-TACE syndrome, which is characterized by fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, leukocytosis and elevated liver enzymes lasting for a few hours to a few days. Other important complications of TACE are decompensation of cirrhosis, hepatic failure and renal failure which, although uncommon, are among the major treatment-related complications that may result in significant morbidity. Other important adverse events, including infection of the necrotic tumor presenting as liver abscess and tumor lysis syndrome, can also occur [5, 7, 8]. Unintentional extrahepatic embolizations are one of the serious side effects in TACE, and have been reported in only 4.6% of patients. They lead to splenic infarction, acute cholecystitis and necrosis, pancreatitis, gastric erosions, or ulcers, pulmonary infarction, stenosis of the biliary tract and neurological complications [2, 9].

Among the infrequent ischemic complications, neurological complications occur rarely in association with TACE and are usually caused by cerebral embolism. Spinal cord ischemia secondary to TACE is extremely rare, with a prevalence rate of 0.3% but disastrous consequences [2, 9, 10].

Spinal cord injury after TACE usually occurs after the second or third session, which can be explained by hepatic artery injury or decreased flow at the previous TACE site, leading to collateral recruitment [4]. Sometimes it may result from the inadvertent embolization of spinal branches arising from intercostal or lumbar collateral vessels [9, 11]. The clinical symptoms and signs of spinal cord injuries usually manifest about 6–8 h after the procedure as paresthesias, impaired sensory function, parapareses or paraplegias and urinary retention [4, 9]. MRI findings are usually normal in the acute phase, but hyperintensities on T2-weighted images and focal cord enlargement are expected after 1–2 days, followed even later by cord enhancement after gadolinium administration. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI can be increased by repeated MRI in patients suspected of acute spinal cord ischemia [12].

There are no clear treatment guidelines. General medical care will depend on the severity of spinal cord ischemia. Patients with high thoracic or cervical infarction should be admitted to intensive care for close monitoring of vital signs and neurological status. In addition to rehabilitative measures, meticulous care must be given to bowel and bladder function as well as to the skin [13]. Patients with minor symptoms and signs initially tended to recover slowly, with a peak at 3–4 weeks, after which additional improvement was not apparent, but patients with more severe symptoms and signs initially might not recover [4, 9].

In conclusion, we have reported a very rare case of spinal cord injuries after TACE, together with a literature review. This case report emphasizes the fact that TACE can be associated with disastrous side effects which may lead to significant morbidity. To prevent these serious complications, an individualized therapy plan, including evaluation for a shunt and choice of the vessels used for the Lipiodol infusion prior to TACE, is of great importance to achieve a good overall result.

Disclosure Statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.