What are the implications of a small vascular lesion in the right anterior horn of the C6 (cervical 6) segment of the spinal cord?

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Last updated: April 8, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for C6 Right Anterior Horn of the Spinal Cord Small Vascular Lesion

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Spinal Cord Infarction: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the sudden onset of symptoms and the specific location of the lesion in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, which is a common site for infarctions due to its vascular supply.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Cavernous Malformation: A vascular lesion that could cause symptoms due to bleeding or mass effect, although less common than infarction.
    • Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): An abnormal connection between arteries and veins that could lead to ischemia or hemorrhage, affecting the spinal cord.
    • Hemangioma: A benign vascular tumor that could cause symptoms by compressing the spinal cord or through bleeding.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (SDAVF): Although rare, this condition can lead to severe and progressive neurological deterioration if not treated promptly.
    • Spinal Arterial Aneurysm: Rupture of an aneurysm could lead to catastrophic bleeding and spinal cord damage.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Spinal Cord Hemangioblastoma: A rare, benign tumor that could present with vascular lesions, more commonly associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease.
    • Vascular Metastasis: Rarely, metastatic disease can present as a vascular lesion within the spinal cord, originating from a primary cancer elsewhere in the body.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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