Paraplegia after transcatheter artery chemoembolization in a child with clear cell sarcoma of the kidney: A case report

Background: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a common treatment for inoperable malignant renal tumors. However, a series of complications may follow the TACE treatment. Spinal cord injury caused by the embolization of intercostal or lumbar arteries is extremely rare.

Case summary: We describe a case with quite uncommon spinal cord injury after TACE in a 3-year-old child with clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. Sensory impairment beneath the T10 dermatomes and paraplegia on the day after TACE were found in this patient. Unfortunately, sustained paraplegia still existed for more than 2 mo after TACE despite the large dose of steroids and supportive therapy.

Conclusion: We should draw attention to an uncommon complication of paraplegia after TACE treatment in malignant renal tumors. Although it is rare, the result is disastrous.