[A case of multiple sclerosis with polyradiculitis and spinal subarachnoid block]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Neurology

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Acute polyradiculitis is an inflammatory condition affecting nerve roots.

Observation:

• A 53-year-old female presented with progressive leg weakness and urinary retention, evolving into severe sensory loss and paralysis.
• Electromyography revealed denervation in multiple extremities and paraspinal muscles.
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed a subarachnoid block with elevated protein (740 mg/dl) and positive oligoclonal bands.

Findings:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrated cervical and thoracic spinal cord swelling and cerebral white matter lesions.
• The patient was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis co-occurring with acute polyradiculitis.
• Spinal cord swelling was identified as the cause of the spinal subarachnoid block.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare presentation of multiple sclerosis with superimposed acute polyradiculitis.
• Understanding the interplay between MS and polyradiculitis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
• Spinal cord edema can lead to significant neurological deficits and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics alterations.