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Compressive myelopathy

Compressive myelopathy is caused by compression of the spinal cord, typically due to spondylosis or tumours, leading to impaired motor, sensory, and autonomic function.

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  • 70-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis presented with tingling in lower limbs and worsening gait.
  • There was no significant vertebral canal stenosis but the T2-hyperintense foci in both sides of the cord at C4-5 suggested a chronic compressive myelopathy.

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  • Patient with prior compression of the cord due to spondylosis.
  • The myelopathic segment is T2-hyperintense (particularly the grey matter) and small volume.

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  • 60-year-old patient with chronic myelopathic symptoms and severe bilateral upper limb radiculopathies.
  • MRI showed posterior-osteophyte disc complexes causing moderately severe vertebral canal narrowing.
  • The cord was atrophic and there was myelopathic signal change in the central and lateral cord.