Laboratory Animal Research  2016;32(4):267-271

doi:10.5625/lar.2016.32.4.267

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features of compressive cervical myelopathy with traumatic intervertebral disc herniation in cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis).

Yun Jung CHOI 1 ; Hye Jin PARK ; Chul Ho SOHN ; Kyeong Cheon JUNG ; Seong Hoe PARK ; Jae Il LEE

Affiliations

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Keywords

Intervertebral disc herniation; spinal cord injury; tetraplegia; blunt trauma; cynomolgus macaque

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) with nucleus pulposus extrusion, traumatic or not, is a devastating clinical condition accompanied by neurological problems. Here we report a cynomolgus macaque suffering from acute and progressive neurological dysfunction by a blunt trauma due to neck collar, an animal handling device. Tetraplegia, urinary incontinence, decreased proprioception, and imperception of pain were shown on physical and neurological examinations. MRI sagittal T2 weighted sequences revealed an extensive protrusion of disc material between C2 and C3 cervical vertebra, and this protrusion resulted in central stenosis of the spinal cord. Histopathologic findings showed a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated at sites of spinal cord injury (SCI). This case is the first report of compressive cervical SCI caused by IVDH associated with blunt trauma.