Chronic progressive myelopathy: Investigation with CSF electrophoresis, evoked potentials, and CT scan

摘要: Chronic progressive myelopathy (CPM) is a difficult clinical problem. Many patients who present with CPM turn out to have spinal form of multiple sclerosis (MS), but until there clear lesion dissemination, definite diagnosis cannot be made. We looked for MS-related abnormalities in 72 CPM. The mean age onset was 42 years, duration ten and Kurtzke disability rating 4.5. Studies performed were cerebrospinal fluid electrophoresis oligoclonal banding, pattern-reversal visual evoked responses, blink reflex latencies, computerized axial tomography. Oligoclonal banding found 32 (44%), patterned responses abnormal latencies 40 (56%). A least one these studies 61 (85%) at two 48 (66%). CT scan 38 )53%), 36 atrophy 3 low-density or enhancing lesions. These results suggest that 44% may MS could diagnosed by bands. Other physiological tests suggesting diffuse disseminated disease bring the total 85%. Only autopsy follow-up will tell us exact diagnostic accuracy this complex syndrome.