Cavernoma of the conus medullaris mimicking transverse myelitis

ABSTRACT

We present an interesting case of conus medullaris cavernoma that was initially treated as transverse myelitis. Haemorrhagic lumbar puncture led us to perform magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, which showed the presence of a cavernous angioma at the D12-L1 level. The total excision of the lesion was followed by dramatic improvement. We suggest that MR imaging be performed early in all suspected cases of transverse myelitis so that emergency surgical intervention can be offered before the development of permanent neurological deficits.