Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Visualization of Amyloid β Deposits in the Human Brain with Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry
09:31

Visualization of Amyloid β Deposits in the Human Brain with Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry

Published on: March 7, 2019

MR of leptomeningeal spinal and posterior fossa amyloid

S Horowitz1, C Thomas, G Gruener

  • 1Department of Radiology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill 60153, USA.

AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|June 5, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Amyloid deposition can cause unusual leptomeningeal MR enhancement in the brain and spinal cord. This finding is associated with Type I familial amyloid polyneuropathy, affecting nerves and organs.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Leptomeningeal enhancement on Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging typically indicates inflammation or neoplastic processes.
  • Amyloidosis is a systemic disease characterized by extracellular deposition of misfolded proteins.

Observation:

  • An unusual case of leptomeningeal MR enhancement was observed.
  • Amyloid deposition was identified along the surfaces of the spinal cord and brain stem.
  • Deposition was also noted in the spinal subarachnoid space and sacral epidural and intradural compartments.

Findings:

  • The study identifies amyloid as an uncommon cause of leptomeningeal MR enhancement.
  • Type I familial amyloid polyneuropathy is implicated as a potential cause for this specific pattern of deposition.
  • This deposition pattern extends beyond typical visceral organ and peripheral nerve involvement.

Implications:

  • This highlights the importance of considering amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained leptomeningeal enhancement.
  • Recognizing this pattern can aid in earlier diagnosis and management of familial amyloid polyneuropathy.
  • Further research may elucidate the mechanisms of amyloid deposition in the central nervous system leptomeninges.

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