Lower spastic paraplegia combined with hydromyelia
https://doi.org/10.14412/2074-2711-2025-1-67-71
Abstract
The article presents our own clinical observation of a rare combination of two neurological conditions – lower spastic paraplegia (Strumpell disease) and the formation of a cavity in the central canal of the spinal cord (hydromyelia). The development of slowly progressive muscle weakness and spasticity in the patient's legs was associated with the presence of a cavity in the spinal cord detected on neuroimaging, leading to a misdiagnosis of syringomyelia. Subsequent review of the MRI and clinical data allowed us to interpret the formation of a cavity in the spinal cord as hydromyelia – a "benign" dilation of the central canal of the spinal cord, in contrast to syringomyelia, with no signs of neurological manifestations and no progression according to the MRI data. The revision of the diagnosis and the clinical and genetic analysis enabled the diagnosis of hereditary lower spastic paraplegia (Strumpell disease). Possible common pathogenetic mechanisms of hydromyelia and spastic paraplegia as well as modern data on the course, clinical and MRI features of hydromyelia and its differential diagnosis from syringomyelia are discussed.
Keywords
dilation of the central canal of the spinal cord,
hydromyelia,
lower spastic paraplegia,
Strumpell disease
Supporting agencies: The investigation has not been sponsored.
About the Authors
E. G. Mendelevich
Kazan State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Elena Gennadyevna Mendelevich
49, Butlerova St., Kazan 420012
Competing Interests:
There are no conflicts of interest
A. A. Kurbanova
Kazan State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
49, Butlerova St., Kazan 420012
Competing Interests:
There are no conflicts of interest
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Review
For citations:
Mendelevich EG, Kurbanova AA. Lower spastic paraplegia combined with hydromyelia. Nevrologiya, neiropsikhiatriya, psikhosomatika = Neurology, Neuropsychiatry, Psychosomatics. 2025;17(1):67-71. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.14412/2074-2711-2025-1-67-71
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