title: [Thoracic spinal cord avulsion without radiologic abnormalities: case report].
abstract: Spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormalities is a rare condition that occurs more frequently in children and contributes to a high rate of morbidity among these patients. We report the case of a five-month-old infant, victim of automobile accident, who was brought to our service with a sensitive level in T2 and bilateral crural paraplegia. Radiographic exams and computed tomography of spine did not evidence of bone or ligaments injuries. Magnetic resonance image showed complete spinal cord transection and spine avulsion in the segment between T3 and T7. We discuss this pathology according to its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognostic aspects.
authors.affiliation: Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Rua Colonel Arcy da Rocha Nóbrega 401/602, 95040-290 Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil. asdrubal@doctor.com
authors.forename: Asdrubal
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Falavigna
authors.forename: Marcelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mattana
authors.forename: Alisson Roberto
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Teles
authors.forename: Karina Nunes
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Persh
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed