Schistosomal Myelopathy in Childhood: Findings of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in 26 Patients

Abstract

We describe magnetic resonance image findings of 26 children (16 boys; average age, 9.4 years) with schistosomal myelopathy. All children lived in Pernambuco State, Brazil, an area of endemic mansoni schistosomiasis. Imaging abnormalities were identified in 92.3% of the children. The most frequent findings included: (1) enlargement of the spinal cord at the thoracic level, usually below T(8), in 23/24 (96%) patients; (2) hypointense signals in T(1)-weighted imaging; (3) hyperintense signals in T(2) imaging; and (4) heterogeneous enhancement with gadolinium. Although enlargement was evident at the thoracic level, abnormal signals frequently extended to the lower cervical level, or inferiorly to the lumbar and sacral cord. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord can play a strong role in the investigation of children with schistosomal myelopathy. Although imaging abnormalities are not specific, their presence strengthens presumptive diagnoses, to expedite treatment and avoid invasive procedures.