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MR imaging of spinal cord in Devic disease
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|May 1, 1987
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging revealed sequential spinal cord changes, from swelling to atrophy, in a patient with Devic disease. Neurological findings strongly correlated with these magnetic resonance imaging observations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Spinal Cord Disorders
Background:
- Devic disease, also known as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), is a rare autoimmune condition primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord.
- Early diagnosis and monitoring are crucial for managing NMOSD and preventing irreversible neurological damage.
Observation:
- A case study of a 20-year-old male patient presenting with classic symptoms of Devic disease.
- Serial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the spinal cord was performed to track disease progression.
Findings:
- MR imaging demonstrated progressive changes in the spinal cord, initially showing swelling (edema) followed by significant atrophy.
- A strong correlation was observed between the clinical neurological deficits and the observed sequential changes on MR imaging.
Implications:
- This case highlights the utility of MR imaging in visualizing and quantifying the dynamic pathological changes in the spinal cord during Devic disease.
- Sequential MR imaging can aid in understanding disease progression and potentially guide therapeutic interventions in NMOSD.