Partial aplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas with an isolated posterior arch remnant: findings in three cases

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2000 Jun-Jul;21(6):1167-71.

Abstract

We report the imaging findings in three symptomatic cases of partial aplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas with an isolated posterior remnant of the arch. These cases are instructive in illustrating the mechanism of cord impingement produced by the posterior arch remnant during extension of the cervical spine. Additionally, focal increased T2 signal was observed within the cord at the level of the anomaly in two of the patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervical Atlas / abnormalities*
  • Cervical Atlas / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Atlas / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Cord Compression / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Compression / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology*
  • Spinal Cord Compression / therapy