| Anterior spinal artery syndrome. | |
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| Anterior cord syndrome is central diagram | |
| Specialty | Neurosurgery  |
Anterior spinal artery syndrome (also known as "anterior spinal cord syndrome") is syndrome caused by ischemia of the area supplied by the anterior spinal artery, resulting in loss of function of the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord. The region affected includes the descending corticospinal tract, ascending spinothalamic tract, and autonomic fibers. It is characterized by a corresponding loss of motor function, loss of pain and temperature sensation, and hypotension.
Anterior spinal artery syndrome is the most common form of spinal cord infarction.[1] The anterior spinal cord is at increased risk for infarction because it is supplied by the single anterior spinal artery and has little collateral circulation, unlike the posterior spinal cord which is supplied by two posterior spinal arteries.