FCE

Question 1

FCE - what is it? what does it stand for?

Answer 1

= fibrocartilaginous embolisation
- focal embolus of fibrocartilage within the ascending artery of the spinal cord
- i.e. microscopic embolus within the spinal cord itself

Question 2

Presentation

Answer 2

• sudden onset spinal cord dysfunction
• usually non-painful but may be uncomfortable for 24h with some initial progression
• due to the anatomy of the vessels this predominantly affects, the centre of the spinal cord and will often, but not always, be unilateral resulting in mono or hemiplegia

Question 3

Diagnosis

Answer 3

• the area of ischaemia can be visualised on MRI but otherwise there’s no other definitive diagnostic test (except confirmation at PM)

Question 4

Tx

Answer 4

• the majority will improve on conservative therapy