Neuropediatrics 2001; 32(6): 330-334
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-20410
Short Communication

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Congenital Cervical Spinal Atrophy: An Intrauterine Hypoxic Insult

K. Kaiboriboon, G. R. Hayat
  • Department of Neurology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 February 2002 (online)

Preview

Abstract

We present two patients with congenital cervical spinal atrophy who were born at 37 and 33 weeks of gestation. Both patients were unrelated and had no family history of neuromuscular diseases. They presented at birth with arthrogryposis multiplex and symmetrical severe muscle weakness and wasting confined to the upper extremities. There was no sensory or bulbar symptom. Electromyography showed polyphasic and fast-firing units in the proximal muscles of the upper extremities. With the evidence of chronic denervation and re-innervation, we speculate that this static condition is most likely due to circulatory insufficiency causing anterior horn cell ischemia during the latter part of the first trimester.

Congenital cervical spinal atrophy · Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita · Anterior horn cell degeneration · Spinal cord ischemia

References

M.D. Ghazala R. Hayat

Department of Neurology, Saint Louis University

P.O. Box 15250, 3635 Vista Ave. at Grand Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63110 - 0250

USA

Email: hayatg@slucare1.sluh.edu