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Basic Neuropathology 9

Topic: Imaging

Created on Monday, February 25 2013 by gliageek

Last modified on Wednesday, February 27 2013.

The pathological changes seen within this myelin stained section of spinal cord are most consistent with which of the following diagnoses?

 
        A) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
 
        B) Tabes dorsalis
 
        C) Subacute combined degeneration
 
        D) Pellagra
 
        E) Multiple sclerosis
 

 


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This question was created on February 25, 2013 by gliageek.
This question was last modified on February 27, 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS




A) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

This answer is correct.


Symmetrical degeneration of corticospinal axons occurs secondary to degeneration of cerebrocortical motor neurons in ALS. When axons degenerate, myelin will secondarily be lost. The resulting reactive astrocytosis produces a firm scarlike alteration in the lateral (and anterior) corticospinal tracts or "lateral sclerosis".   (See References)

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B) Tabes dorsalis

This answer is incorrect.


As the name implies, tabes dorsalis is characterized by preferential dorsal degeneration of the spinal cord (secondary to Huebner�s arteritis).   (See References)

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C) Subacute combined degeneration

This answer is incorrect.


Subacute combined degeneration demonstrates preferential damage to the posterior ascending fiber tracts, often with multifocal incomplete corticospinal tract damage.   (See References)

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D) Pellagra

This answer is incorrect.


Pellagra, which occurs secondary to riboflavin deficiency, is characterized by chromatolytic changes within anterior horn cells.   (See References)

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E) Multiple sclerosis

This answer is incorrect.


Demyelinating plaques of multiple sclerosis are never confined to anatomically defined tracts   (See References)

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References:

1. van der Graaff, M.M., Sage, C.A., Caan, M.W., Akkerman, E.M., Lavini, C., Majoie, C.B., Nederveen, A.J., Zwinderman, A.H., Vos, F., Brugman, F., van den Berg, L.H., de Rijk, M.C., van Doorn, P.A., Van Hecke, W., Peeters, R.R., Robberecht, W., Sunaert, S., and de Visser, M. (2011). "Upper and extra-motoneuron involvement in early motoneuron disease: a diffusion tensor imaging study." Brain, 134(Pt 4) 1211-28. (PMID:21362631)
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imaging
Basic Neuropathology 9
Question ID: 022513104
Question written by gliageek. (C) FrontalCortex.com 2006-2009, all rights reserved. Created: 02/25/2013
Modified: 02/27/2013
Estimated Permutations: 120

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