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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a deadly neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain. Studies have reported on atrophy within segments of the cervical cord, but we are not aware of previous investigations of the whole spinal cord. Herein we present our findings from a 3T MRI study involving 32 subjects (15 ALS participants and 17 healthy controls) characterizing cross-sectional area along the entire cord. We report atrophy of the cervical enlargement in ALS participants, but no evidence of atrophy of the thoracolumbar enlargement. These results suggest that MR-based analyses of the cervical cord may be sufficient for in vivo investigations of spinal cord atrophy in ALS, and that atrophy of the cervical enlargement (C4–C7) is a potential imaging marker for quantifying lower motor neuron degradation.

Primary thyroid lymphoma is a rare cause of both thyroid malignancy and extra-nodal lymphoma. It typically presents as a rapidly enlarging goitre with compressive symptoms. Histological analysis of a biopsy specimen is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Awareness of this disease is important for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A 55-year-old man was admitted due to a 3-month history of cervical enlargement, facial and periorbital oedema and dyspnoea, apparently due to a superior vena cava syndrome. However, cervical ultrasound showed asymmetrical thyroid enlargement, lobulated contours and a hypoechogenic texture. A neck CT scan showed calibre reduction of the superior vena cava. The diagnosis of primary thyroid lymphoma was confirmed by open biopsy of the thyroid gland. The patient started treatment with rituximab with clinical improvement.