title: Contribution of spinal MRI for unsuspected cobalamin deficiency in isolated sub-acute combined degeneration.
abstract: Sub-acute combined degeneration (SCD) is a rare cause of demyelination of the dorsal and lateral columns of the spinal cord and is a neurological complication due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Revealing forms of SCD without anemia are rare. We report a case of SCD of the spinal cord in a 33-year-old woman without anemia but with a 10-month history of paresthesis and urine imperiosity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine showed intramedullary hyperintensity seen on T2-weighted images in the posterior column of the cervico-dorsal spinal cord, extending from C1 to D1. A diagnosis of SCD of the spinal cord was considered and confirmed by a low serum cobalamin. The patient was treated with vitamin B12 supplements and showed gradual improvement in her clinical symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Ibn Sina hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maamar
authors.forename: Z Tazi
authors.initials: ZT
authors.lastname: Mezalek
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Harmouche
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Adnaoui
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aouni
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maaouni
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D052879:Subacute Combined Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D014805:Vitamin B 12