SPASTIC PARAPLEGIA OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN: A Follow-up of 32 Patients

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Abstract
Thirty-two patients admitted to the University Clinic of Neurology, Copenhagen, in the years 1960-67, had isolated spastic paraplegia of unknown etiology. Twenty-four patients were followed up after five to twelve years of observation (mean observation time 8.9 years). The remaining eight patients had died. A diagnosis was reached in eight of the re-examined patients and two of the deceased patients. Six patients had multiple sclerosis, and one had possible multiple sclerosis. One patient had spino-cerebellar degeneration, one amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and one an intraspinal meningeoma. The undiagnosed patients at follow-up still had an isolated spastic paraplegia, which in most cases had gradually progressed. The possibility that some of these patients might be suffering, from multiple sclerosis or hereditary spastic paraplegia is discussed. The necessary examinations are evaluated and it is concluded that air myelography should always be carried out in patients with spastic paraplegia of unknown origin.