Hyperintense signal on spinal cord diffusion-weighted imaging in a patient with subacute combined degeneration

Abstract

Symmetrical hyperintense signals in lateral columns and posterior columns in T2-weighted images is a characteristic finding in subacute combined degeneration (SCD) secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency. Manifestation of SCD on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has not been well characterised till date. We reported a case of SCD with spinal cord hyperintense signals in DWI sequence. We suggest that spinal cord DWI may be a useful magnetic resonance sequence for the diagnosis of SCD.