Compressive myelopathy in fluorosis: MRI

Neuroradiology. 1996 May;38(4):338-42. doi: 10.1007/BF00596584.

Abstract

We examined four patients with fluorosis, presenting with compressive myelopathy, by MRI, using spin-echo and fast low-angle shot sequences. Cord compression due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) and ligamentum flavum (LF) was demonstrated in one and ossification of only the LF in one. Marrow signal was observed in the PLL and LF in all the patients on all pulse sequences. In patients with compressive myelopathy secondary to ossification of PLL and/or LF, fluorosis should be considered as a possible cause, especially in endemic regions.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Cervical Vertebrae / pathology*
  • Female
  • Fluoride Poisoning / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Ligamentum Flavum / pathology*
  • Longitudinal Ligaments / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Compression / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / pathology*