Ann Rehabil Med.  2014 Jun;38(3):410-414. 10.5535/arm.2014.38.3.410.

Atypical Traumatic Pneumorrhachis Accompanied by Paraparesis

• Kim KY
• Kang JH
• Lee MH
• Han Y
• Choi DW

• KMID: 2165762
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2014.38.3.410

Abstract

Pneumorrhachis, caused by intraspinal air, is an exceptional but important radiographic finding that is accompanied by different etiologies. Pneumorrhachis, by itself, is usually asymptomatic and gets reabsorbed spontaneously. Therefore, the patients with pneumorrhachis are mostly managed conservatively. We encountered a unique case of atypical traumatic pneumorrhachis accompanied by paraparesis.

Keyword

Pneumorrhachis; Intraspinal air; Paraparesis

MeSH Terms

Humans
Paraparesis*
Pneumorrhachis*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Sagittal computed tomography image showing an extension of epidural air at the thoracic spine (arrows). (A) Air is present in the anterior epidural space above the T2 level. (B) Air is present in posterior epidural space below T2 level.

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  Fig. 2 Magnetic resonance imaging of thoracic spine. (A) Sagittal T2-weighted image shows a focal high signal intensity of the spinal cord at the T2 (arrow) level. (B) Axial T2-weighted image shows the posterior epidural air at the T2 (arrow) level.

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  Fig. 3 Motor evoked potential (MEP) and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) findings. (A) Onset latency of the MEP recording of the abductor halluces (Rt. 47.3 ms, Lt. 46.7 ms). (B) Onset latency of tibial SEP (P37; Rt. 46.9 ms, Lt. 46.0 ms). NCV, nerve conduction velocity.

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