Magnetic resonance imaging findings within the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord extended from the medulla oblongata to the thoracic spine in a woman with subacute combined degeneration without hematologic disorders: a case report and review of the literature
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord is a rare cause of demyelination of the dorsal and lateral columns of the spinal cord and is a neurological complication of vitamin B<sub>12 </sub>deficiency. Subacute c...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2011-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical Case Reports |
| Online Access: | http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/5/1/166 |
| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord is a rare cause of demyelination of the dorsal and lateral columns of the spinal cord and is a neurological complication of vitamin B<sub>12 </sub>deficiency. Subacute combined degeneration without anemia or macrocytosis is rare.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a case of cobalamin deficiency in a 29-year-old Moroccan woman who presented with subacute combined degeneration without evidence of anemia or macrocytosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord demonstrated abnormal hyperintense signal changes on T2-weighted imaging of the posterior and lateral columns from the medulla oblongata to the thoracic spine. A diagnosis of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord was considered and confirmed by low serum cobalamin. The patient was treated with vitamin B<sub>12 </sub>supplements and showed improvement in her clinical symptoms.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Physicians should diagnose subacute combined degeneration in patients early by having a high index of suspicion and using diagnostic tools such as magnetic resonance imaging.</p> |
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| ISSN: | 1752-1947 |