Korean Journal of Radiology

The Korean Society of Radiology (대한영상의학회)
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Sequential Magnetic Resonance Imaging Finding of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Abscess including Diffusion Weighted Image: a Case Report

  • Roh, Jae-Eun (Department of Radiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Seung-Young (Department of Radiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Cha, Sang-Hoon (Department of Radiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Cho, Bum-Sang (Department of Radiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Jeon, Min-Hee (Department of Radiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kang, Min-Ho (Department of Radiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine)
  • Published : 2011.04.01
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Abstract

Intramedullary spinal cord abscess (ISCA) is a rare infection of the central nervous system. We describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, including the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings, of ISCA in a 78-year-old man. The initial conventional MRI of the thoracic spine demonstrated a subtle enhancing nodule accompanied by significant edema. On the follow-up MRI after seven days, the nodule appeared as a ring-enhancing nodule. The non-enhancing central portion of the nodule appeared hyperintense on DWI with a decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value on the ADC map. We performed myelotomy and surgical drainage, and thick, yellowish pus was drained.

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References

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