Published online Jun 6, 2020. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i11.2332
Peer-review started: March 5, 2020
First decision: March 24, 2020
Revised: April 9, 2020
Accepted: April 28, 2020
Article in press: April 28, 2020
Published online: June 6, 2020
Processing time: 94 Days and 12 Hours
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a common treatment for inoperable malignant renal tumors. However, a series of complications may follow the TACE treatment. Spinal cord injury caused by the embolization of intercostal or lumbar arteries is extremely rare.
We describe a case with quite uncommon spinal cord injury after TACE in a 3-year-old child with clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. Sensory impairment beneath the T10 dermatomes and paraplegia on the day after TACE were found in this patient. Unfortunately, sustained paraplegia still existed for more than 2 mo after TACE despite the large dose of steroids and supportive therapy.
We should draw attention to an uncommon complication of paraplegia after TACE treatment in malignant renal tumors. Although it is rare, the result is disastrous.
Core tip: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is a common treatment for inoperable malignant hepatic and renal tumors in adult patients, however, it is rarely applied in pediatric patients. A series of complications may follow the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treatment. Spinal cord injury caused by the embolization of intercostal or lumbar arteries is extremely rare.