[A case of multiple sclerosis with polyradiculitis and spinal subarachnoid block].

A case of 53-year-old female with multiple sclerosis was reported. In August 1987, she suffered from weakness in her legs and urinary retention. These signs had progressed with incomplete remissions and exacerbations. In March 1988, she developed sensory loss of all modalities below C2 level, spastic paralysis of upper extremities and flaccid paraplegia of lower extremities. Electromyography showed evidence of denervation in affected muscles of all extremities and paraspinal muscles. On lumber puncture, spinal fluid pressure fell to 0 mmH2O after removal of the spinal fluid of 12 ml, and the CSF protein was 740 mg/dl, indicating subarachnoid space block. The oligoclonal band was positive. MRI showed swelling in the cervical and upper thoracic cord, and multiple lesions in the periventricular white matter in the cerebrum. We diagnosed this case as multiple sclerosis in combination with acute polyradiculitis. The spinal subarachnoid block was considered to be caused by the swelling of the spinal cord.