Toxic and Metabolic Myelopathies

Publication date: Available online 12 May 2016 Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI Author(s): Joana Ramalho, Renato Hoffmann Nunes, Antonio Jose da Rocha, Mauricio Castillo Myelopathy describes any neurologic deficit related to the spinal cord. It is most commonly caused by its compression by neoplasms, degenerative disc disease, trauma, or infection. Less common causes of myelopathy include spinal cord tumors, infection, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, vascular, toxic and metabolic disorders. Conditions affecting the spinal cord must be recognized as early as possible to prevent progression which may lead to permanent disability. Biopsy is rarely performed, thus the diagnosis and management rely on patient′s history, physical examination, laboratory results and imaging findings. Here we review the clinical presentations, pathophysiologic mechanisms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of myelopathies related to metabolic or toxic etiologies.
Source: Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI - Category: Radiology Source Type: research