Abstract
Purpose
To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in 10 cases of Toxocara canis myelitis and to analyze these findings to aid in the diagnosis of this condition.
Materials and Methods
From June 2015 to March 2018, we retrospectively analyzed the elec-tronic medical records and MR images of patients who were diagnosed withToxocara canis myelitis. The analysis of the MR images was based on a discussion between an experienced spinal radiologist and a radiology resident.
Results
This study classified MRI findings into the following two types. Type 1 was defined as central and diffuse T2 high signal intensity on the axial plane, which was observed in 50% of all cases. All lesions showed avid enhancement, mostly in the posterolateral or posterior region (4 cases, 80%). Type 2 was defined as wedge-shaped or focal T2 high signal intensity in the posterolateral or posterior region and corresponded to the remaining 50% of the cases. In this case, the extent of the lesion was relatively small and contrast enhancement was observed in only one case.
Index terms
Toxocara Canis, Myelitis, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, SpineREFERENCES
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Fig. 1.
Typical MR imaging features (type 1) of Toxocara canis myelitis in a 31-year-old male. A, B. Sagittal T2-weighted image (A) shows diffuse signal change in the spinal cord at the T8–10 level (arrows). The signal change is observed in the central portion of the cord on an axial T2-weighted image (B). C, D. Contrast enhanced T1-weighted sagittal and axial images show nodular enhancement in the posterior region at the T9/10 level (arrows).
![jksr-81-135f1.tif](/upload/SynapseXML/2016jksr/thumb/jksr-81-135f1.gif)
Fig. 2.
MR imaging features (type 2) of Toxocara canis myelitis in a 29-year-old male. A. Axial T2-weighted image shows a wedge-shaped hyperintense lesion (arrow) in the right posterolateral spinal cord at the C2–3 level. B. Sagittal T2-weighted image shows a short-segment patchy hyperintense lesion (arrow) on the posterior aspect of the spinal cord.
![jksr-81-135f2.tif](/upload/SynapseXML/2016jksr/thumb/jksr-81-135f2.gif)
Fig. 3.
Atypical imaging features of Toxocara canis myelitis in a 47-year-old male. terior aspect of the spinal cord with focal patchy signal change and mild swelling at the T4/5 level. B. Axial T2-weighted image shows diffuse centrally located signal change in the spinal cord. C. Contrast enhanced T1-weighted axial image shows rim-like peripheral enhancement. A. Sagittal T2-weighted image shows cord signal change at the T3–4–5 level (arrows). The lesion shows thin pencil-like appearance on the anterior aspect of the spinal cord with focal patchy signal change and mild swelling at the T4/5 level. B. Axial T2-weighted image shows diffuse centrally located signal change in the spinal cord. C. Contrast enhanced T1-weighted axial image shows rim-like peripheral enhancement.
![jksr-81-135f3.tif](/upload/SynapseXML/2016jksr/thumb/jksr-81-135f3.gif)
Fig. 4.
Non-enhancing Toxocara canis myelitis in a 61-year-old female. A. Axial T2-weighted image shows focal hyperintense lesion on the left posterolateral aspect at the cervico-medullary junction. B. Contrast enhanced T1-weighted axial image on brain MRI shows no contrast enhancement.
![jksr-81-135f4.tif](/upload/SynapseXML/2016jksr/thumb/jksr-81-135f4.gif)
Table 1.
Demographics and Clinical Findings of 10 Patients withToxocara canis Myelitis
Patient | Age (years) | Sex | Symptom | Duration | Exposure to Pets | Ingestion Hx | Spine MR F/U Period | Treatment | Disease Course |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 30 | M | Both L/Ex paresthesia, weakness erectile dysfunction | 1 YA | Dogs | Uncooked cow or cattle omasum∗ | 7 mon A | Albendazole, | Partial recovery but improved |
2 | 58 | M | Progressing both L/Ex paresthesia | a 1 MA | No | Uncooked cow or cattle liver and meat | A N/A | Albendazole, steroids | Complete recovery |
3 | 29 | M | Left U/Ex paresthesia | 1 MA | No | cattle liver and meat N/A | A 12 mon | steroids Albendazole, steroids | Complete recovery |
4 | 42 | M | Left L/Ex paresthesia, erectile and urinary dysfunction | 1 YA | No | Uncooked cow or cattle meat | A 6 mon | Albendazole, steroids | Persistent |
5 | 65 | M | Both L/Ex paresthesia | 1 YA | N/A | N/A | A 16 mon | Albendazole, steroids | Persistent |
6 | 62 | M | Both L/Ex paresthesia, weakness | 2 WA | Cats | N/A | A N/A | Albendazole, steroids | Partial recovery but improved |
7 | 61 | F | Headache | 5 MA | Dogs | N/A | N/A S | Steroids | Complete recovery |
8 | 55 | M | Both L/Ex paresthesia | 5 YA | Dogs | N/A | A N/A | Albendazole, steroids | Partial recovery but improved |
9 | 48 | M | Both L/Ex paresthesia, erectile dysfunction | 3 WA | No | N/A | 3 mon S | Steroids | Partial recovery but improved |
10 | 47 | M | erectile dysfunction Progressing both L/Ex paresthesia | 1 MA | N/A | N/A | N/A | Steroids | Partial recovery but improved |
Table 2.
Blood and CSF Characteristics of the 10 Patients
Table 3.
MRI Findings in 10 Patients