SCI: BLOOD SUPPLY OF SC

Question 1

from vertebral a., supplies
anterior 2/3 of SC
o If occluded: mixed SCI, more on motor
affectations compared to sensory

Answer 1

Anterior spinal a.

Question 2

the largest segmental

artery from the aorta between T8-L4

Answer 2

Vessel of Adamkiewicz

Question 3

Parestheresias, dysesthesia, descending sx

distally

Answer 3

Watershed zone

Question 4

The abscess may continue to travel down to the
sacral ms > may present as noninflammatory cold
psoas abscess > destroys the epiphyseal artery
(located at the hip) > hip affectation

Answer 4

Watershed zone

Question 5

from radicular a., supplies
posterior 1/3 of SC
o If occluded: pure sensory SCI

Answer 5

Posterior spinal a.

Question 6

is the internal & external vertebral
venous plexus
o Has no valves, hence it inc the risk of cancer bc it
does not prevent backflow > easier metastasis

Answer 6

BATSON PLEXUS

Question 7

around T4-T6, endpoints of
anterior & posterior spinal a. > scanty blood supply
but there is high moisture content > serves as a
reservoir of microorganisms like TB, acid-fast bacilli
(AFB) may form abscess which goes down to T9-
T10 area to the greater radicular arteries (artery of
adamkiewicz) > seep through the IVDs >
destruction of IVDs & intervertebral bodies > sharp
dorsal kyphosis, gibbus deformities (hallmark of
PoTS dse)

Answer 7

Watershed zone