Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Korean Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (대한자기공명의과학회)
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A Rare Case of Syphilitic Myelitis of the Spinal Cord

  • Kim, Jin Hyeok (Department of Radiology, Pusan National University, Yangsan Hospital) ;
  • Jeong, Hee Seok (Department of Radiology, Pusan National University, Yangsan Hospital) ;
  • Park, Chankue (Department of Radiology, Pusan National University, Yangsan Hospital) ;
  • Ryu, Hwaseong (Department of Radiology, Pusan National University, Yangsan Hospital) ;
  • Roh, Ji Eun (Department of Radiology, Pusan National University, Yangsan Hospital) ;
  • Yeom, Jeong A (Department of Radiology, Pusan National University, Yangsan Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Tae un (Department of Radiology, Pusan National University, Yangsan Hospital)
  • Received : 2019.06.27
  • Accepted : 2019.08.12
  • Published : 2019.09.30
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Abstract

Neurosyphilis is an infection of the brain or spinal cord that is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilitic myelitis, which involves the spinal cord, is a very rare form of neurosyphilis seen in patients with syphilis. It requires differentiation from other diseases of the spinal cord, including idiopathic transverse myelitis and spinal cord infarction. Herein, we describe the presentation and diagnosis of syphilitic myelitis in a 43-year-old woman, based on a flip-flop sign and candle guttering appearance depicted in magnetic resonance imaging and laboratory tests.

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References

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