Magnetic resonsance imaging of the cauda equina in chronic inflammatory demyelination polyneuropathy

Abstract

We report a patient with biopsy proven chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy whose magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated abnormal enhancement of the cauda equina after administration of gadolinium. Enhancement may reflect alteration of the blood-nerve barrier secondary to inflammation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cauda equina could be a useful adjunct in the early diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.