Magnetic resonance imaging in subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.

We describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in a patient with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (vitamin B12-deficient myelopathy). T2-weighted images revealed symmetric, high signal abnormalities in the posterior columns of the cervical cord, which resolved following recovery from the disease. Recognition of this MRI pattern is important because this is likely to represent an early, potentially reversible stage of the disease.