Transverse Myelitis | Figure 1

CincyKidsRad

Cincinnati Children's Radiology

Transverse Myelitis

Image description

Axial (image 1) and coronal T2-weighted (image 2) MRI shows confluent increased T2 signal with cord expansion (arrow) extending from T9 through the conus. Axial T2-weighted imaging of the cerebellum (image 3) demonstrates focal abnormal T2 signal (arrowhead) within the right brachium pontis.

Teaching point

Transverse myelitis is an inflammatory disorder of the spinal cord characterized by longitudinally extensive T2 hyperintensity with cord swelling. Lesions often span multiple vertebral segments and may be associated with additional inflammatory lesions elsewhere in the central nervous system, as seen in the brainstem. This distribution supports an immune-mediated process rather than compressive or vascular myelopathy.

Diagnosis added by author

Transverse Myelitis

More about this case

ResolvedCommon presentation

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Case 1

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Case 2

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Case 4

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