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[SCIWORA-syndrome. Case report and review of the literature]
P C Strohm1, M Jaeger, W Köstler
1Klinik für Traumatologie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg. strohm@ch11.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Abstract:
The SCIWORA-syndrome was firstly described by Pang and Wilberger in 1982 [11]. It is characterized by a neurological injury without radiological appearance. Since the standardized use of MRI in spinal cord diagnosis, the number of the "real" SCIWORA-syndromes decreases. By the case report of a 14 years old boy falling down from a wall of 2 meters height with a complete paraplegia from Th12 without radiographic abnormality (even in MRI) we will give a short review of the literature.
Insights
Spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality (SCIWORA) is a rare condition. A case of a 14-year-old boy with complete paraplegia and no imaging findings highlights this neurological injury.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Spinal Cord Injury
Background:
- Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiological Abnormality (SCIWORA) syndrome was first described in 1982.
- Characterized by neurological deficit with no visible abnormalities on imaging.
- The advent of MRI has reduced the diagnosis of true SCIWORA.
Observation:
- A case report of a 14-year-old boy presenting with complete paraplegia.
- The injury occurred after a fall from a height of 2 meters, affecting the Th12 region.
- No radiographic abnormalities were detected, including on MRI.
Findings:
- Despite advanced imaging, the case aligns with the definition of SCIWORA.
- This suggests that certain severe spinal cord injuries may still lack radiological evidence.
- Highlights the challenges in diagnosing SCIWORA even with modern technology.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of clinical evaluation in suspected spinal cord injuries.
- Further research may be needed to understand the pathophysiology of SCIWORA.
- Emphasizes the need for considering SCIWORA in the differential diagnosis of spinal trauma.