Subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord

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Subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 G32.0, E53.8
ICD-9 336.2, 266.2
DiseasesDB 12591
MedlinePlus 000723
MeSH D052879

Subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord, also known as Lichtheim's disease,[1][2] refers to degeneration of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord as a result of vitamin B12 deficiency. It is usually associated with pernicious anemia.

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[edit] Presentation

The pathological findings of subacute combined degeneration consist of patchy losses of myelin in the dorsal and lateral columns. Patients present with weakness of legs , arms, trunk, tingling and numbness that progressively worsens. Vision changes and change of mental state may also be present. Bilateral spastic paresis may develop and pressure, vibration and touch sense are diminished. A positive Babinski sign may be seen.

[edit] Treatment

Therapy with vitamin B12 results in partial to full recovery, depending on the duration and extent of neurodegeneration.

[edit] References

  1. ^ synd/492 at Who Named It
  2. ^ L. Lichtheim. Zur Kenntnis der perniciösen Anämie. Verhandlungen des Deutschen Kongress für innere Medizin, 1889, 6: 84-96. 42: 1887.

[edit] External links

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