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Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord: MRI detection of preferential involvement of the posterior columns in a child

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, UH-C-320, 150 Bergen St., 07103, Newark, NJ, USA

    L. J. Wolansky, G. Goldstein & H. J. Lee

  2. Department of Neurosciences, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 150 Bergen St., 07103, Newark, NJ, USA

    A. Gozo & S. Chatkupt

  3. Department of Pediatrics, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 150 Bergen St., 07103, Newark, NJ, USA

    A. Gozo, I. Sills & S. Chatkupt

  4. Children's Hospital of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA

    A. Gozo, I. Sills & S. Chatkupt

Authors
  1. L. J. Wolansky
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  2. G. Goldstein
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  3. A. Gozo
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  4. H. J. Lee
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  5. I. Sills
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  6. S. Chatkupt
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Wolansky, L.J., Goldstein, G., Gozo, A. et al. Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord: MRI detection of preferential involvement of the posterior columns in a child. Pediatr Radiol 25, 140–141 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02010329

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02010329

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