Abstract

Hirayama disease is a self-limiting cervical motor neuron disease, usually affecting the spinal cord at level C7-T1. We share an unusual case of Hirayama disease in a young man affecting roots C4-C6. He presented in coma due to diaphragm weakness and hypercapnic respiratory failure. Diagnosis was achieved via clinical presentation, neurophysiological examination, ultrasonography of the diaphragm and dynamic MR-imaging. Conservative treatment with a cervical collar resulted in remarkable improvement in respiratory and motor function.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)272.e3-272.e5
JournalAmerican Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume76
Early online date2 Dec 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2024

Keywords

  • Diaphragm weakness
  • Hirayama disease
  • Respiratory failure
  • Ultrasonography, MR imaging

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