Missed Diagnosis of Syrinx.
- Author:
Chang Hyun OH
1
;
Chan Gyu KIM
;
Jae Hwan LEE
;
Seung Hwan YOON
;
Hyeong Chun PARK
;
Chong Oon PARK
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Syrinx; Diagnosis proportion; Conscription; Korea
- MeSH: Brain Stem; Humans; Korea; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Military Personnel; Prospective Studies; Spinal Cord; Spine
- From:Asian Spine Journal 2012;6(1):1-5
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled human study. PURPOSE: We checked the proportion of missed syrinx diagnoses among the examinees of the Korean military conscription. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: A syrinx is a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord or brain stem and causes various neurological symptoms. A syrinx could easily be diagnosed by magnetic resonance image (MRI), but missed diagnoses seldom occur. METHODS: In this study, we reviewed 103 cases using cervical images, cervical MRI, or whole spine sagittal MRI, and syrinxes was observed in 18 of these cases. A review of medical certificates or interviews was conducted, and the proportion of syrinx diagnoses was calculated. RESULTS: The proportion of syrinx diagnoses was about 66.7% (12 cases among 18). Missed diagnoses were not the result of the length of the syrinx, but due to the type of image used for the initial diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The missed diagnosis proportion of the syrinx is relatively high, therefore, a more careful imaging review is recommended.
