Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord: MRI detection of preferential involvement of the posterior columns in a child.
Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (vitamin B12-deficient myelopathy) is a neurologic disorder manifesting progressive symptoms of paresthesia and spastic paralysis. As shown by pathology, it initially involves the posterior columns of the thoracic cord. We present a case of vitamin B12 deficiency with preferential posterior column involvement of the thoracic cord in a child. Theoretically, this should be the earliest, most reversible stage of the disease, making recognition of this MRI pattern of critical importance.
Wolansky
L J
LJ
Department of Radiology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103, USA.
Goldstein
G
G
Gozo
A
A
Lee
H J
HJ
Sills
I
I
Chatkupt
S
S
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*