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A case of progressive myelopathy with atlas hypoplasia in an infant: controversy in the surgical strategy

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Abstract

Case report

The authors report a case of isolated atlas hypoplasia in an 18-month-old infant who experienced delayed motor development confined to the lower extremities, in the absence of other clinical features. Nonetheless, MRI revealed the upper cervical cord to be highly compressed with a high signal intensity lesion apparent at the craniovertebral junction. The patient underwent atlas laminectomy in addition to occipital decompression, resulting in a good neurological recovery.

Discussion

We speculate on the significance of this unique clinical presentation and discuss surgical strategies for this condition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-shinbashi Minatoku, 105-8461, Tokyo, Japan

    Yoko Fukuzumi, Shizuo Oi, Osamu Matsubara, Nobuyoshi Kaito, Satoshi Tani & Toshiaki Abe

Authors
  1. Yoko Fukuzumi
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  2. Shizuo Oi
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  3. Osamu Matsubara
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  4. Nobuyoshi Kaito
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  5. Satoshi Tani
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  6. Toshiaki Abe
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yoko Fukuzumi.

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Fukuzumi, Y., Oi, S., Matsubara, O. et al. A case of progressive myelopathy with atlas hypoplasia in an infant: controversy in the surgical strategy. Childs Nerv Syst 21, 244–248 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-004-1000-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-004-1000-9

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