Clinics in diagnostic imaging (190). Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SCD)

ABSTRACT

A 54-year-old man presented with progressive onset of lower limb paraesthesias, sensory ataxia, gait instability and lower limb weakness. Laboratory findings revealed low serum B12 levels. Magnetic resonance imaging showed long-segment symmetrically increased T2 signal within the dorsal columns of the spinal cord in the lower thoracic spine. The conglomeration of findings was consistent with a diagnosis of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SCD). Aside from mild residual paraesthesias, the patient's symptoms largely resolved after treatment with intramuscular injections of vitamin B12. The clinical presentation, pathophysiology, clinical and radiologic differential diagnosis, and management of SCD were described.