title: 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.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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 B12 deficiency. Subacute combined degeneration without anemia or macrocytosis is rare.
  
  
  METHODS
  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 B12 supplements and showed improvement in her clinical symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Hassan II University Hospital, Fez, Morocco. rabhisamira@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Samira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rabhi
authors.forename: Mustapha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maaroufi
authors.forename: Hajar
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Khibri
authors.forename: Faouzy
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Belahsen
authors.forename: Siham
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tizniti
authors.forename: Rhizlane
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Berrady
authors.forename: Wafaa
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bono