Catalog

Subacute combined cord degeneration

No MMS code

Link to WHO Definition

Subacute combined cord degeneration – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/1733949743

A disease caused by deficiency in vitamin B12, vitamin E or copper leading to formation of abnormal fatty acids around cells and nerves. This disease is characterised by losses of myelin in the dorsal and lateral columns leading to spinal cord, brain and peripheral nerve degeneration. This disease may present with pernicious anaemia, weakness of legs, arms, trunk, paraesthesia, pallor, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Confirmation is by identification of low levels of vitamin B12, vitamin E or copper in a blood sample and identification of spinal cord degeneration through medical imaging.