title: Cervical myelopathy, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: problems in investigation.
abstract: This report describes a patient presenting with a spastic quadriplegia who was found to have both diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the cervical spine. There was a dramatic worsening of his symptoms during a myelogram examination of the neck. It is suggested that computed tomographic imaging of the neck is the preferred investigative procedure if OPLL is suspected as a cause of cervical myelopathy.
mesh_terms: D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D004057:Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008022:Ligaments / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009192:Myelography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*