West Nile Virus: a case report with flaccid paralysis and cervical spinal cord: MR imaging findings

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2005 Jan;26(1):26-9.

Abstract

We present a case of serologically proved West Nile virus (WNV) flaccid paralysis of the right upper extremity. Radiologic correlation revealed striking T2 hyperintensities in the anterior horns of the cervical spinal cord, similar to those seen in cases of poliomyelitis. Recognition of the MR imaging findings in cases of WNV flaccid paralysis can provide early evidence of infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Horn Cells / pathology
  • Arm / innervation
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Neuron Disease / diagnosis
  • Motor Neuron Disease / pathology
  • Muscle Hypotonia / diagnosis
  • Muscle Hypotonia / pathology
  • Muscle Weakness / diagnosis
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Paralysis / diagnosis*
  • Paralysis / pathology
  • Spinal Cord / pathology*
  • West Nile Fever / diagnosis*
  • West Nile virus*