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MRI in Lyme disease of the spinal cord

  • DIAGNOSTIC NEURORADIOLOGY
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Abstract

We report a case of Lyme myelitis in a 31-year-old man, presenting with a conus medullaris syndrome. MRI demonstrated contrast enhancement on the pial surface of the lower thoracic cord and conus medullaris. Elevated blood immunoglobulins and IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were found. Leptomeningitis may be the first stage of spinal infection in Lyme disease, preceding parenchymal infection leading to myelitis. Vasculitis is probably the major mechanism. MRI findings are nonspecific and the diagnosis is given by serum and CSF analyses. Early treatment with antibiotics and high doses steroids may result in complete recovery, as in this case.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, Hôpital Purpan, place du Dr Baylac, 31 059 Toulouse, France e-mail: manelfe.c@chu-toulouse.fr Tel.: + 33-5-61 77 23 39 Fax: + 33-5-61 77 76 51, , , , , , FR

    C. Mantienne, I. Catalaa, A. Sévely, C. Cognard & C. Manelfe

  2. Department of Neurology, Hôpital Purpan, place du Dr Baylac, 31 059 Toulouse, France, , , , , , FR

    J. F. Albucher

Authors
  1. C. Mantienne
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  2. J. F. Albucher
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  3. I. Catalaa
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  4. A. Sévely
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  5. C. Cognard
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  6. C. Manelfe
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Additional information

Received: 29 December 1999 Accepted: 31 January 2000

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Mantienne, C., Albucher, J., Catalaa, I. et al. MRI in Lyme disease of the spinal cord. Neuroradiology 43, 485–488 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002340100583

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002340100583

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