Selectively impaired fasciculus gracilis in cervical spinal cord injury

Abstract

Selective lesions of the fasciculus gracilis have been reported only in cases of nontraumatic spinal cord disease. We present the case of a 54-year-old man who developed persistent hypesthesia and abnormal vibratory sensation below the T6 segmental level after injuring his cervical spine after a fall. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, spinal stenosis, and a C3-4 spinal cord injury. A thoracic MRI did not reveal a spinal cord lesion. Lower thoracic dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials showed delayed latency. The findings in this case indicate selective injury to the fasciculus gracilis at the level of the cervical spinal cord.