Integrated Problems Radiology: Progressive Weakness

29 year old female presents to the emergency room in the winter with four days of progressive left upper and lower extremity weakness.

The weakness began 4 days ago and has progressively gotten worse until this evening, when she was unable to pick up her son’s toy and her mother noted that she was limping at home. Her mother insisted that they come to the emergency room this evening. She has never had a history of similar symptoms.

For each case, consider the following:

1. What imaging study (if any) would you order?

2. What clinical information would you give to the radiologist who will be doing the study?

3. Do you need to discuss anything with the radiologist before ordering the exam?

To review the American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria for this set of symptoms, click the ACR button--you will need to use your 'back' button to return to the case