ISSN:
1432-1920
Keywords:
Key words Oedema
;
intramedullary
;
Spinal cord
;
Magnetic resonance imaging
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Transient but very intense oedema of the cervical spinal cord was observed in two patients with obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways. Both presented with hydrocephalus, one due to an infratentorial obstructing mass and the other due to postmeningitic adhesive obstruction of the outlet foramina of the fourth ventricle. In animal experiments with obstruction of CSF pathways (due to outlet foramina obstruction or to downward tentorial herniation) flattening and stretching of the ependymal cells along the central canal is observed, followed by disruption and splitting of the ependymal lining and then by extracellular oedema of the subependymal tissue. Without treatment, frank cavity formation develops in a fourth stage. In our two patients, however, most probably because of appropriate decompressive therapy, the oedema disappeared completely without a residual spinal cord lesion.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002340050886
