Increased MR signal intensity secondary to chronic cervical cord compression

Summary Magnetic resonance images of 128 patients with compressive lesions of the cervical spinal canal were reviewed to determine whether a high signal intensity lesion within the spinal cord was present on T2 and proton density weighted spin echo images. Such high signal intensity was observed in 24 cases or 18.8%. The incidence was higher in herniated disk (32.4%), atlanto-axial dislocation (28.6%), and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (22.7%), whereas the abnormality was found sporadically in cervical spondylosis and vertebral body tumors. The high intensity lesion on T2 weighted images was generally observed in patients with constriction or narrowing of the spinal cord. The lesion was not demonstrated on T1 weighted spin echo images. Spinal cord constriction or localized narrowing seemed to be the most important portant predisposing factor in producing such a high signal intensity. The pathophysiologic basis of such an abnormality was presumed to be myelomalacia or cord gliosis secondary to a long-standing compressive effect of the spinal cord.     

颈椎过伸性损伤X线片与MRI比较分析

目的：评价对比X钱片与MRI对颈椎过伸性损伤的诊断价值。材料和方法：回顾性分析收治入院的53例颈椎过伸性损伤患者的临床特点、X线片、MRI特点。结果：X线片提示损伤34例，占总数的64．15％；MRI表现有推前血肿和水肿、积液、脊髓受压变形、脊髓内水肿、前纵韧带断裂、椎间盘水平性撕裂、椎间盘突出、脊髓部分及完全性横断等以及椎管狭窄、OPLL、颈椎病等，所有患者的MRI均发现不同的损伤征象，还发现7例椎动脉损伤。结论：MRI优良的软组织成像能力使之对于颈椎过伸性损伤的检出、损伤机制和损伤程度描述均优于其他方法，是目前的最佳方法，对治疗方法的选择亦具有很好的指导意义。     

MR Imaging for Assessing Acute Vertebral Trauma

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the imaging assessment of patients sustaining acute vertebral injury and is indicated for all hemodynamically stable patients with acute neurologic deficits related to spinal column injury, particularly in the cervical region. MRI defines the presence and extent of lesions involving osseous structures, ligaments and other soft tissues, and the spinal cord parenchyma. Information obtained from MRI is useful in assessing the indication for and best approach to surgical management of vertebral injury by revealing herniated disc material, epidural hematoma, significant osteophytes, and level(s) of probable or potential spinal column instability. The appearance of spinal cord lesions by MRI provides prognostic information regarding likely extent of recovery of neurologic function. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can reliably demonstrate vertebral artery injuries not uncommonly associated with cervical spine subluxation/dislocation and fractures crossing the foramen transversarium. Improvements in speed of MR image acquisition and patient physiological support and monitoring compatibility in the MR-environment is making MRI more available and safe for use in the setting of acute major trauma.     

MR imaging of compressive cervical myelopathy after surgery--high signal intensity of the spinal cord on T2 weighted images

We reviewed the MR images of 32 patients with cervical myelopathy, showing lesions of high signal intensity in the spinal cord on the sagittal T2 weighted images (T2WI) after surgery: 16 with OPLL; 9 with spondylosis; 4 with disc herniation and 3 with trauma. All images were obtained on a superconducting 1.5 Tesla system. The lesions were classified into five groups, according to the shape and grade of signal intensity on the sagittal T2WI: (I) oval-shaped lesion of signal intensity less brighter than CSF with blurred margin, (II) longitudinal linear-shaped lesion of signal intensity similar to CSF, (III) spindle-shaped lesion of signal intensity similar to CSF, (IV) round-shaped lesion of signal intensity similar to CSF and (V) mixed-types lesions which consisted of group I and II. The present study was summarized as follows: 1) Oval-shaped lesions were seen in the cases of disc herniation and spondylosis with relatively short duration of the symptom, presumptively with relatively short duration of the symptom, presumptively indicative of edema. 2) Most cases of OPLL and spondylosis showed linear-shaped lesions, suggesting necrosis and/or cavitations of the central gray matter. 3) One case of spondylosis developed a spindle-shaped lesion, implicating syringomyelia. 4) Round-shaped lesions were seen in the cases of spinal trauma, suggesting posttraumatic cyst. 5) In a case of mixed-typed lesion examined pre- and postoperatively, only an oval-shaped lesion decreased in size after surgery.     

MRI of spinal epidural lymphoma

We reviewed the MRI features in eight patients with spinal epidural lymphoma (clinically primary in 4 patients); one patient had multiple lesions. The cervical spine was involved in one patient, the thoracolumbar spine in 5 and the sacrum in two. Mean longitudinal extension of the epidural lesion was 2.6 vertebral segments. The tumours were homogeneously isointense with the spinal cord on T1-weighted images and isointense or hyperintense on proton-density and T2-weighted images. The spinal cord was compressed in four patients but showed signal changes in only one. In five patients the lesions communicated through the intervertebral formaina with paravertebral soft tissue masses. In all but one of the patients diffuse signal changes in the vertebral body marrow consistent with osteolytic or osteobalstic changes were identified adjacent to or at distance from the epidural lesion. Vertebral collapse was observed in two patients.     

Volume fast spin-echo imaging of the cervical spine

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors prospectively evaluated a T2-weighted, three-dimensional (3D) volume, fast spin-echo (SE) pulse sequence in assessment of the cervical spine and compared it with standard imaging protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with neck pain underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 1.5 T with two-dimensional (2D) fast SE and axial 3D gradient-echo (GRE) protocols and with an additional sagittal T2-weighted volume fast SE protocol. The spinal cord and canal, neural foramina, and intervertebral disks were assessed by two neuroradiologists, and the results were compared with reports from the standard protocol. The quality of the partition (direct sagittal) and reconstructed images were evaluated. RESULTS: No differences existed in the assessment of spinal cord disease or disk herniation with 2D fast SE and volume fast SE imaging. Some mild variation occurred in assessment of the neural foramina. Partition images demonstrated a high level of resolution and contrast, while reconstructed images had consistently lower quality. However, this did not impede detection and grading of disk or spinal abnormalities, which were adequately shown on volume fast SE sagittal images. Neural foramina were well demonstrated on axial reconstructions from volume fast SE imaging. CONCLUSION: Volume fast SE imaging provides information about the spinal cord, canal, disks, and neural foramina that is comparable to the information provided by routine imaging. Its thinner sections and multiplanar reconstruction capability are advantages over 2D imaging. Its greater tissue contrast with better visualization of the cervical cord, greater signal-to-noise ratio, and less susceptibility artifact are advantages over 3D GRE imaging.     

Apparent diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy in spinal cord: age and cervical spondylosis-related changes

PURPOSE: To present the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) change with age in the normal spinal cord and in cervical spondylosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 11 normal volunteers and 79 cervical spondylosis patients entered this study. Line scan diffusion tensor images were obtained in a 1.5-Tesla whole-body scanner using a phased-array spine coil. The ADC and FA values were measured on a sagittal section. Spearman correlation of ADC/FA vs. age for normal spinal cord was calculated. RESULTS: The mean ADC of the normal spinal cord was 0.81 +/- 0.03 microm(2)/msec at the relatively wide C2-C3 level and 0.75 +/- 0.06 microm(2)/msec at the more narrow C4-C7 level. The FA at the corresponding level was 0.70 +/- 0.05 and 0.66 +/- 0.03, respectively. With age, ADC showed positive correlation (Spearman, r = 0.242) and FA exhibited negative correlation (Spearman, r = -0.244). A total of 54% of all spondylosis cases showed elevated ADC (P < 0.001) and decreased FA (P < 0.001) at the stenotic spinal canal level compared with the normal spinal cord. The average ADC and FA of high-signal lesions on T2-weighted images (seven patients) were 1.28 +/- 0.33 microm(2)/msec and 0.46 +/- 0.12, respectively. CONCLUSION: ADC increases and FA decreases with age in the normal spinal cord. Elevated ADC and reduced FA were measured in the spinal cord of spondylosis cases with clinical symptoms of myelopathy.     

CT和MRI对颈椎病的诊断价值

目的：评价ＣＴ、ＭＲＩ对颈椎病的诊断价值。材料和方法：复习９０例颈椎病患者的术前和术后的ＣＴ和ＭＲＩ（８６例超低场，４例超导高场）影像，对其骨性结构和椎管内容物进行对比。结果：ＭＲＩ对颈椎间盘突出的显示优于ＣＴ。颈椎管狭窄的ＣＴ显示优于ＭＲＩ。后纵韧带骨化的ＣＴ显示优于ＭＲＩ。ＭＲＩ对脊髓受压程度的评估优于ＣＴ。ＣＴ能较好的评估术后减压范围和椎管扩大程度。ＭＲＩ在术后六个月可用于预测脊髓功能的恢复。结论：ＣＴ和ＭＲＩ对颈椎病的诊断和术后评估很在价值，二者可互为补充。     

颈椎过伸性损伤的MRI诊断(附12例报告)

目的：探讨颈椎过伸性损伤的ＭＲＩ表现及价值，材料与方法：回顾性分析１２例有典型外伤史患者的ＭＲＩ资料及临床资料，结果：颈椎过伸性损伤依暴力的大小不同依次伤及前纵韧带，椎间盘，脊髓及后部附件结构，ＭＲＩ所表现的椎前血肿，前纵韧带断裂，椎间盘突出，椎体挫伤及脊髓受压变形，附件结构损伤具有特征性，结论：ＭＲＩ可以反映颈椎过伸性损伤的全部损伤机制及其形成的病理改变，是诊断过伸性颈椎损伤的最好方法。     

Unusual manifestation of vertebral osteoid osteoma: case report

We report the case of a 64 year-old man with a clinical history suggesting a low thoracic-cord involvement, in which an unexpected vertebral osteoid osteoma was discovered. The patient underwent MRI of the thoraco-lumbar spine, which included sagittal and axial T1-weighted images, and sagittal double-echo T2-weighted images. Subsequently, CT scan was carried out with 2-mm-thick axial sections, aimed at T10 vertebra. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed an extra-axial mass at T10 level. Computed tomography scan suggested an osteoid osteoma of the tenth thoracic vertebra, involving the lamina with marked sclerosis and prevalently endocanalar extension. Histology following surgical resection confirmed the diagnosis. In the reported case CT scan provided the correct pre-operative diagnosis of osteoid osteoma despite its unusual clinical--anamnestic presentation. Magnetic resonance imaging was useful in establishing the relationship of the neoplasm with the spinal cord.     

慢性脊髓创伤的MRI表现

目的　探讨慢性脊髓损伤的MRI表现及其形成机制。材料与方法　分析 2 8例慢性脊髓损伤者的MRI表现及临床资料 ,其中男 2 1例 ,女 7例 ,平均年龄 39岁。伤后行MRI复查时间为 1个月～ 12年。MRI取常规SE序列T1WI、T2 WI矢状、横断面。结果　 2 8例中有 16例发生在颈髓 ,上胸髓及脊髓圆锥各 6例。其中脊髓囊变 13例 ;慢性脊髓受压 5例 ,均合并有其他类型的病理改变 ;脊髓软化 4例 ;脊髓空洞 2例 ;脊髓萎缩 3例 ;脊髓栓系 1例。结论　慢性脊髓损伤分别表现为脊髓囊变、空洞、萎缩、软化、栓系及慢性受压 6种病变 ,脊髓囊变与脊髓瞬间压迫伤有关 ,其病变局限。脊髓空洞及脊髓萎缩均与脊髓持续受压有关 ,病变潜在进展。脊髓软化可能由伤后脊髓缺血引起 ,脊髓栓系是伤后蛛网膜粘连造成     

3D DESS磁共振序列诊断神经根型颈椎病临床价值

目的：探讨3D双回波稳态进动（dual echo steady state ,DESS）磁共振序列在显示椎管内臂丛神经的形态解剖学信息的情况,以及在显示突出椎间盘与椎管内臂丛神经的关系的临床应用价值。方法对35例有颈肩痛和上肢麻痛等颈丛和臂丛神经根受压症状,临床高度怀疑神经根型颈椎病患者行颈椎M RI常规序列（矢状位 T1 WI ,T2 WI ,横轴位T2WI）和3D DESS序列,3D DESS序列的所有图像均采用3D最大信号强度投影（MIP）与曲面重组等后处理,由2位高级职称M RI影像诊断医师通过对重建后图像所显示的臂丛神经椎管内神经根的形态、长度以及突出椎间盘与椎管内臂丛神经的关系的影像表现,评价3D DESS序列在神经根型颈椎病影像诊断中的临床应用价值。结果3D DESS序列重建图像和常规MRI T2WI序列图像对臂丛神经椎管内神经前根的显示率分别为94．3％（33／35）和88．6％（31／35）,对臂丛神经椎管内神经后根的显示率分别为94．3％（33／35）和80％（28／35）,3D DESS序列明显优于常规层厚 T2 WI图像,差异有显著性意义（P ＜0．05）;在臂丛神经椎管内神经前后根完整性的显示方面,两者间差异无统计学意义（P ＞0.05）。结论3D DESS序列经重建后的图像,可提供更多的椎管内臂丛神经的形态解剖学信息,能清晰显示突出椎间盘对神经根的压迫情况,为临床治疗提供明确依据。     

MRI findings in thoracic outlet syndrome

We discuss MRI findings in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). A total of 100 neurovascular bundles were evaluated in the interscalene triangle (IS), costoclavicular (CC), and retropectoralis minor (RPM) spaces. To exclude neurogenic abnormality, MRIs of the cervical spine and brachial plexus (BPL) were obtained in neutral. To exclude compression on neurovascular bundles, sagittal T1W images were obtained vertical to the longitudinal axis of BPL from spinal cord to the medial part of the humerus, in abduction and neutral. To exclude vascular TOS, MR angiography (MRA) and venography (MRV) of the subclavian artery (SA) and vein (SV) in abduction were obtained. If there is compression on the vessels, MRA and MRV of the subclavian vessels were repeated in neutral. Seventy-one neurovascular bundles were found to be abnormal: 16 arterial-venous-neurogenic, 20 neurogenic, 1 arterial, 15 venous, 8 arterial-venous, 3 arterial-neurogenic, and 8 venous-neurogenic TOS. Overall, neurogenic TOS was noted in 69%, venous TOS in 66%, and arterial TOS in 39%. The neurovascular bundle was most commonly compressed in the CC, mostly secondary to position, and very rarely compressed in the RPM. The cause of TOS was congenital bone variations in 36%, congenital fibromuscular anomalies in 11%, and position in 53%. In 5%, there was unilateral brachial plexitis in addition to compression of the neurovascular bundle. Severe cervical spondylosis was noted in 14%, contributing to TOS symptoms. For evaluation of patients with TOS, visualization of the brachial plexus and cervical spine and dynamic evaluation of neurovascular bundles in the cervicothoracobrachial region are mandatory.     

急性硬脊膜外血肿的MRI研究

目的 探讨急性硬脊膜外血肿(ASEH)的发病机制、MRI表现特征及鉴别诊断。方法 15例ASEH病人，男8例，女7例，平均37．8岁。5例有脊柱损伤史，1例有脊柱手术史，1例有腰硬脊膜穿刺史，其余8例无特殊病史。11例经手术证实，2例经CT引导穿刺抽吸治疗并证实，2例经临床相应检查及随访证实。所有病人均行矢状面SE T1WI和快速SE(FSE)或SE T2WI。12例行横轴面FSE T2WI，8例行SE T1WI。4例行SE T1WI增强扫描。结果 15例血肿共发生于18个脊柱节段，其中6例次(6／18)位于颈段、9例次(9／18)位于胸段、3例次(3／18)位于腰段。7例次(7／18)血肿位于硬膜囊前方，11例次(11／18)位于硬膜囊后方。血肿累及1～13个椎体高度，平均4．87个椎体高度。T1WI上，所有血肿与脊髓之间均显示有线样低信号区。T2WI矢状面和横轴面上，分别有4例(4／15)和8例(8／12)在血肿与蛛网膜下腔之间显示有低信号线。矢状面上13例(13／15)血肿呈长梭形，横轴面上均呈双凸镜形或半圆形。SE T1WI上，5例呈等T1信号，6例呈短T1信号，4例呈等、短T1混杂信号；T2WI上，5例呈短T2信号，10例呈短、长T2混杂信号。4例增强扫描无特异性。结论 ASEH的MRI表现具有特征性，可为诊断及鉴别诊断提供依据。     

Comparison of MRI pulse sequences for investigation of lesions of the cervical spinal cord

Small spinal cord lesions, even if clinically significant, can be due to the low sensitivity of some pulse sequences. We compared T2-weighted fast (FSE), and conventional (CSE) spin-echo and short-tau inversion-recovery (STIR)-FSE overlooked on MRI sequences to evaluate their sensitivity to and specificity for lesions of different types. We compared the three sequences in MRI of 57 patients with cervical spinal symptoms. The image sets were assessed by two of us individually for final diagnosis, lesion detectability and image quality. Both readers arrived at the same final diagnoses with all sequences, differentiating four groups of patients. Group 1 (30 patients, 53 %), with a final diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Demyelinating lesions were better seen on STIR-FSE images, on which the number of lesions was significantly higher than on FSE, while the FSE and CSE images showed approximately equal numbers of lesions; additional lesions were found in 9 patients. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of 17 demyelinating lesions was significantly higher on STIR-FSE images than with the other sequences. Group 2, 19 patients (33 %) with cervical pain, 15 of whom had disc protrusion or herniation: herniated discs were equally well delineated with all sequences, with better myelographic effect on FSE. In five patients with intrinsic spinal cord abnormalities, the conspicuity and demarcation of the lesions were similar with STIR-FSE and FSE. Group 3, 4 patients (7 %) with acute myelopathy of unknown aetiology. In two patients, STIR-FSE gave better demarcation of lesions and in one a questionable additional lesions. Group 4, 4 patients (7 %) with miscellaneous final diagnoses. STIR-FSE had high sensitivity to demyelinating lesions, can be considered quite specific and should be included in spinal MRI for assessment of suspected demyelinating disease. Received: 21 September 1999/Accepted: 10 December 1999     

磁刺激运动诱发电位诊断颈髓髓内和髓外病变

目的 探索磁刺激运动诱发电位（ＭＦＰ）在颈髓髓内和髓外病变中的诊断价值。方法 采用磁刺激ＭＥＰ和电刺激Ｆ波相结合的方法,测定颈髓病变患者４５例,健康对照组２０例。通过记录双侧上肢外展拇短肌（ＡＰＢ）和下肢胫前肌（ＡＴ）的混合肌动作电位,计算中枢运动传导时间（ＣＭＣＴ）,并与临床表现和影像学表现作对比。结果 ＡＴ肌ＭＥＰ检查结果对髓外病变较敏感,ＣＭＣＴ异常与颈髓压迫影像和上运动神经元受素表现相关。     

MRI全脊柱移床扫描对脊柱疾病的诊断

目的　探讨MRI全脊柱移床扫描在诊断脊髓及脊柱疾病中的应用价值。方法　对于 2 1例疑有脊髓及脊柱疾患的患者行全脊柱移床扫描 ,对接颈、胸、腰骶段脊柱图像而形成完整的全脊柱图像。与对接前的根据患者临床症状、体征 ,以某一椎体为中心的局部脊柱扫描图像进行对比 ,分析疾病的检出率和定位、定性的诊断效率。结果　 3例患者发现脊柱多发转移瘤 ,1例发现颈、腰段的多发神经鞘瘤 ,2例为全脊髓炎 ,4例患者为连续多椎体结核伴冷脓肿形成 ,2例患者发现外伤后多椎体及附件骨折 ,2例发现脊髓空洞。结论　MRI全脊柱移床扫描对于多发性、全身性、系统性脊髓及脊柱疾病的诊断具有重要作用     

亚急性联合变性颈髓的磁共振成像表现

目的分析亚急性联合变性颈髓的磁共振成像表现特点,提高对该病的认识.方法收集临床确诊亚急性联合变性累及颈髓的患者5例,回顾性分析其磁共振成像表现,并复习相关临床及文献资料.结果5例患者磁共振成像均显示颈髓不同程度的后、侧索长T2信号,其颈髓正中矢状位T2加权图像均呈连续束带状异常信号;4例行钆喷替酸葡甲胺增强扫描,其中2例可见条片状强化.结论亚急性联合变性的颈髓矢状位束带状改变有比较典型的特点,磁共振成像是诊断该病的重要手段.     

Magnetisation transfer ratio measurement in the cervical spinal cord: a preliminary study in multiple sclerosis

MRI readily detects the lesions of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the brain and spinal cord. Conventional MRI sequences do not, however, permit distinction between the various pathological characteristics (oedema, demyelination, axonal loss and gliosis) of lesions in MS. Magnetisation transfer (MT) imaging may be more specific in distinguishing the pathologies responsible for disability in MS, namely demyelination and axonal loss, and therefore may have a potential role in monitoring treatment. We have applied MT imaging to the cervical spinal cord to see if it is feasible to measure MT ratios (MTR) in this region where pathological changes may result in considerable disability. We studied 12 patients with MS and 12 age- and sex-matched normal controls using a sagittal T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence with and without an MT pulse. The median value for cervical cord mean MTR measurement in normal controls was 19.30 % units (interquartile range 19.05–19.55), whereas values were significantly lower in MS patients (median = 17.95 % units, interquartile range 17.25–19.00, P = 0.0004). There was a low intrarater variability for repeated mean MTR measurements. We conclude that it is possible to measure MTR in the cervical spinal cord, that a significant reduction occurs in patients with MS, and that there may be a role for this measure in future MS treatment trials. Received: 11 May 1996 Accepted: 24 July 1996     

颈椎病动态MRI扫描揭示椎管狭窄及脊髓受压因素的价值

颈椎动态MRI扫描直观地显示屈伸状态下导致椎管狭窄及脊髓受压的动态因素,为临床提供了中立位扫描所不能揭示的致病机制,以后伸位为著。后伸位颈椎功能性受压与颈椎退变阶段及椎管矢径密切相关,当中立位MRI显示黄韧带肥厚,或椎关节僵硬伴发椎管矢径≤10.0mm时,建议行动态MRI扫描。前屈位虽然可以减轻脊髓受压,但持久前屈会促使或加重颈椎病的发生。