Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41840521›Full record

ArticleBMC neurology2026

Clinical retrospective analysis of 14 cases of superficial siderosis of the central nervous system.

Ying Ji, Hafiz Khuram Raza, Bing Xu, Hailun Wang, Yu Kong, Xiaowen Li, Jin Tian, Xiaosa Sun, Gang Liu, Hao Chen and 1 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC neurology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Ying Ji *Department of Neurology, the affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
Hafiz Khuram Raza *Academician Expert Workstation of Fengxian District, Shanghai Yuansong Biotechnology Limited Company, Shanghai, 201400, China.
Bing Xu *Department of Otolaryngology, the affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
Hailun WangDepartment of Pathology, Guangzhou KingMed Clinical Diagnostics Center, Guangzhou, 510330, China.
Yu KongDepartment of Neurology, the affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
Xiaowen LiDepartment of Neurology, the affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
Jin TianDepartment of Neurology, the affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
Xiaosa SunDepartment of Neurology, the affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China.
Gang LiuDepartment of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, Beijing, 100053, China. liugangqingyi@sina.com.
Hao ChenDepartment of Neurology, the affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China. haochen-2008@hotmail.com.
Keke LiDepartment of Imaging, the affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China. 1013707590@qq.com.

Funding

Key Projects of Xuzhou Health Commission fund XWKYHT20200001Open Project of Key Laboratories in Jiangsu Province Universities XZSYSKF2020010Xuzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital Science and Technology Development Fund Project XYFZ2020008
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSuperficial siderosis of the central nervous system (SSCNS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder resulting from chronic hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space. This study aims to summarize its clinical and paraclinical features to improve clinical recognition.

methodsWe retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 14 patients diagnosed with SSCNS at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and Xuanwu Hospital between August 2011 and April 2023. Data on clinical manifestations, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), imaging findings, treatment, and prognosis were collected and summarized.

resultsAmong 14 patients (6 males, 8 females; mean age 53.1 years), the most common clinical manifestations were hearing loss (14/14, 100%), ataxia (12/14, 85.7%), and pyramidal tract dysfunction (12/14, 85.7%). Brain MRI revealed characteristic superficial siderosis in all cases, with susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) demonstrating superior sensitivity. Spinal cord involvement was observed in 13 patients (92.9%). CSF pressure predominantly falling within the normal range, while lumbar CSF exhibited signs of hemorrhage or yellowing, elevated red blood cell counts, and varying degrees of increased protein content. Sensorineural hearing loss was confirmed in 7/8 tested patients (87.5%). Potential bleeding sources were identified in 12 patients (85.7%), including prior surgery, trauma, and vascular abnormalities. Treatment was primarily symptomatic, with most patients (12/14) showing minimal improvement in core symptoms during hospitalization.

conclusionSuperficial siderosis of the central nervous system is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the clinical triad of hearing loss, ataxia, and pyramidal tract dysfunction. MRI, particularly T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and SWI sequences demonstrating a characteristic peripheral low-signal band, provides high diagnostic sensitivity and represents the cornerstone of diagnosis. Early identification remains challenging yet critical, while management should focus on locating the underlying bleeding source and providing comprehensive supportive care.

trial registrationNot applicable.

Indexed as

Central Nervous System DiseasesSiderosisAdultAgedAtaxiaFemaleHearing Loss, SensorineuralHumansMagnetic Resonance ImagingMaleMiddle AgedRetrospective StudiesAtaxiaCentral nervous systemCerebrospinal fluidMagnetic resonance imagingProgressive hearing lossSurface iron deposition disease

Identifiers

PMID41840521
PMCPMC13107673

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.