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Spinal cord schistosomiasis: MR imaging appearance with surgical and pathologic correlation
Sahar Saleem1, Adel I Belal, Nasser M El-Ghandour
1Department of Radiodiagnosis, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|August 11, 2005
Summary
Spinal schistosomiasis, a rare condition, presents with specific MR imaging findings. Recognizing these patterns, like multinodular intramedullary enhancement, aids in early diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Schistosomiasis is rarely associated with spinal cord involvement.
- Neurologic manifestations can occur due to schistosomiasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the MR imaging findings of spinal cord schistosomiasis.
- To correlate MR imaging findings with surgical and pathological data.
Main Methods:
- Eight male patients with neurologic symptoms underwent spinal MR imaging.
- Spinal masses were surgically removed and findings correlated with imaging.
- Histopathologic studies identified Schistosoma ova for diagnosis.
Main Results:
- MR imaging revealed distal spinal cord expansion with specific T1 and T2 signal characteristics.
- Three enhancement patterns were observed: intramedullary nodular, peripheral, and linear radicular.
- Histopathology confirmed Schistosoma species in all cases, correlating with imaging findings.
Conclusions:
- Multinodular intramedullary enhancement on MR imaging can suggest spinal schistosomiasis.
- Recognizing the MR imaging appearance facilitates early diagnosis and treatment.
- Early diagnosis of spinal cord schistosomiasis improves prognosis.