Spontaneous migration of a bullet in the spinal subarachnoid space causing delayed radicular symptoms

Neurosurgery. 1986 Jan;18(1):97-100. doi: 10.1227/00006123-198601000-00018.

Abstract

The authors report a case of a gunshot wound to the left lower quadrant of the abdomen in a patient who initially was neurologically intact. The bullet had lodged at the T-11, T-12 level in the spinal canal. After an exploratory laparotomy, the patient developed severe low back pain radiating to his left lower extremity and an incomplete footdrop. Repeat x-ray films and a myelogram showed that the bullet had migrated to the L-4, L-5 level on the left. Bullet emboli and delayed sequelae of gunshot wounds to the spine are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Humans
  • Lumbosacral Region / injuries
  • Male
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / etiology*
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Injuries / complications*
  • Subarachnoid Space / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Gunshot / complications*