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Imaging features of copper deficiency myelopathy: a study of 25 cases

  • Diagnostic Neuroradiology
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Abstract

Acquired copper deficiency presents with a spastic gait and sensory ataxia. Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with copper deficiency myelopathy may show increased T2 signal, most commonly in the dorsal midline cervical and thoracic cord. These imaging findings may be reversible with normalization of serum copper. The clinical and imaging picture is very similar to the subacute combined degeneration seen in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. Neuroradiologists should consider this possibility when a long segment of symmetric dorsal spinal cord T2-hyperintensity is identified.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Neeraj Kumar, J. Eric Ahlskog & Christopher J. Klein

  2. Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    John D. Port

  3. 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Neeraj Kumar

Authors
  1. Neeraj Kumar
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  2. J. Eric Ahlskog
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  3. Christopher J. Klein
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  4. John D. Port
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Correspondence to Neeraj Kumar.

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Kumar, N., Ahlskog, J.E., Klein, C.J. et al. Imaging features of copper deficiency myelopathy: a study of 25 cases. Neuroradiology 48, 78–83 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-005-0016-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-005-0016-5

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