Hirayama disease: MR diagnosis.

Abstract

We report the MR findings in two cases of Hirayama disease, a kind of cervical myelopathy related to flexion movements of the neck. In flexion MR studies, we can see the striking and pathognomonic picture of anterior shifting of posterior dura at the lower cervical spinal canal. In nonflexion studies, we find that asymmetric cord atrophy, especially at the lower cervical cord, though subtle, is highly suggestive of Hirayama disease. When it is seen, a flexion MR study is warranted to prove this diagnosis.

• Authors: C J Chen, C M Chen, C L Wu, L S Ro, S T Chen, T H Lee
• Journal: AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology (AJNR Am J Neuroradiol) Vol. 19 Issue 2 Pg. 365-8 (Feb 1998) ISSN: 0195-6108 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9504496 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Cervical Vertebrae (pathology)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Head Movements (physiology)
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Spinal Cord (pathology)
• Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood (diagnosis)