Diffuse cauda equina enhancement in a middle aged male with Susac syndrome and symptomatic cauda equina syndrome

Abstract

Susac syndrome is a rare neurologic disorder first described by Susac et al. in 1979. Clinically, Susac syndrome consists of a triad including encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusions and sensorineural hearing loss. All three components of the triad usually do not present at the same time, thus delaying time to diagnosis. MRI studies often show characteristic punched out lesions of the central fibers of the corpus callosum. Intracranial leptomeningeal enhancement may be seen, however, cauda equina involvement has not been described to our knowledge. We present a case of Susac syndrome in a middle-aged male with symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, and spinal MRI showing diffuse enhancement of the nerve roots of the cauda equina.