自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿的MRI诊断

目的 探讨自发性脊柱硬膜外血肿MRI表现特征.方法 对9例自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿的MRI表现作回顾性分析,本组患者均无明显的外伤史,发病后4～24h行MRI检查5例,1～3天行MRI检查3例,5天行MRI检查1例.常规横轴面、矢状面T2WI、TIWI及T2 WI脂肪抑制技术.结果 血肿发生于颈段4例,胸段2例,颈胸交界部2例,腰段1例.9例均表现为脊髓硬膜外梭形,长度7～12cm.血肿位于脊髓正后方4例,脊髓右后方3例,脊髓左后方1例,脊髓正前方1例,脊髓不同程度受压移位,脊髓与血肿间见线条状低信号影.4～24h行MRI检查5例,于T2 WI上呈稍高信号3例,高信号1例,等信号1例;于T11WI上呈等信号3例,等低信号2例.1～3天行MRI检查3例,于T2WI上呈低信号1例,等信号1例,等低信号1例;于T1WI上呈等信号2例,等低信号1例.5天行MRI检查1例,于T2 WI上呈低信号;T1WI上呈稍高信号.9例中T2WI压脂上呈低信号3例,等信号4例,高信号2例.结论 MRI是诊断自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿的最佳检查方法,不仅可以清楚地显示血肿的部位及范围,而且可以清楚地显示血肿新旧程度.     

自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿的MRI表现

目的 对自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿(SSEH)的临床及MRI表现进行分析。方法 搜集1994～2001年的8例SSEH患者，其中男5例，女3例，年龄16～50岁。8例患者均无外伤、血液病等病史，1例有高血压病史，于发病4h至3d后分别行MR检查。8例均经手术病理证实。结果 血肿发生于颈椎3例、胸椎2例、颈胸交界部2例、胸腰段1例；血肿位于硬膜外腔的侧后方或正后方，呈梭形，范围长短不一，境界清楚。其中1例血肿为血管畸形(AVM)所致，有2例局部伴有椎间盘突出。血肿信号随时间长短各有差异，在T1WI矢状面和冠状面7例表现为等信号，1例表现为略高信号；在T2WI矢状面和轴面，6例表现为混杂信号，2例表现为混杂高信号。结论 MRI对SSEH的定位、定性及鉴别诊断具有重要作用。     

自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿2例

患者1男,45岁。突发胸背部剧烈疼痛伴双下活动障碍6h于2011年3月22日入院。6h前患者出现胸背部刺疼,持续性加重,2h后双下肢无力,站立困难,随后双下肢不能活动。查体:体温及血压正常,脊柱颈6～胸3椎棘突上下压痛(+),乳突以下感觉消失,双下肢膝和跟腱反射、肛周     

CT myelography in spinal cysticercosis

Four cases of spinal cysticercosis were found in a series of 356 cases of CNS cysticercosis studied neuroradiologically. Cysticercal cysts were seen to migrate within the spinal subarachnoid space on myelographic studies. All four patients presented initially with hydrocephalus, which supports the notion that spinal leptomeningeal cysts have migrated from an intracranial site of origin. Computed tomographic myelography (metrizamide) allowed better localization and definition of the spinal cysticercal lesions.     

Computed tomography of spinal epidural hematoma

Three cases of spinal epidural hematoma are presented. Computed tomography (CT) was the first diagnostic method used in two patients and demonstrated a surgically confirmed spinal epidural hematoma in both patients. In a third patient who presented with a complete block on myelography, CT was helpful in assessment of the extent of the lesion and suggested a vertebral hemangioma as the cause of the hematoma. CT is a very useful tool in the diagnosis of spinal epidural hematomas.     

双能量CT脊髓造影诊断自发性颅内低压脊髓脑脊液漏的初步研究

目的 探讨双能量CT脊髓造影(CTM)检查在自发性颅内低压(SIH)脊髓脑脊液漏中的诊断价值.方法 对6例诊断为SIH的患者行双能量脊髓CT造影检查,X线管电压分别设定为100和140 kVp(加锡过滤片),后处理获得虚拟平扫(VNC)、碘图等图像,并与合成的120 kVp CTM进行对比,比较2种方法在显示对比剂沿神经根外漏、C1～2椎体后方对比剂积聚、硬膜静脉丛扩张及椎管内硬膜下对比剂积聚等方面的情况.运用Kappa一致性检验比较2种方法诊断脑脊液漏点的差异.结果 6例患者合成的120 kVp CTM共显示43个漏点,其中的41个漏点在VNC和碘图上显示,2种方法在脊膜脑脊液漏点检出上有非常好的一致性(Kappa值=0.997,P＜0.01),并且2种方法均显示C1～2椎体后方对比剂积聚(2例)、硬膜外对比剂积聚(3例)及静脉丛扩张(1例),双能量CTM碘图和VNC图像视觉显示效果更佳.结论 双能量CTM可用于SIH脊髓脑脊液漏的诊断.

Abstract：

Objective To assess the value of dual-energy computed tomography myelography (CTM) on detecting leaks of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Methods Six patients with SIH underwent spinal CTM on a 2nd generation dual-source CT with tube voltage set at 100 and 140 kVp(with tin filter). The virtual non-contrast (VNC) and iodine map images were calculated from dual-energy images. The average weighted (AW) CTM images were mixed from two kVp images with mix factor of 0. 5. Two radiologists evaluated CSF leak using two sets of images respectively: VNC + iodine map images and AW-CTM images. The results from two reading methods were compared. The level of CSF leaks along the nerve roots, C1-2 retrospinal CSF collections, epidural CSF collections and spinal epidural venous plexus were marked. The consensus about leak sites and CSF collections was made by two radiologists in the third session Kappa statistics were used to measure the agreement between the two methods. Results Forty-one leaks were detected using VNC + iodine map images. Forty-three leaks were detected on AW images. The agreement between two methods was excellent (Kappa =0. 997 ,P ＜0. 01). There were no differences in the detection of C1-2 retrospinal CSF collections (n = 2), epidural CSF collections(n = 3) or spinal epidural venous plexus (n = 1). VNC and iodine map images demonstrated superior visual effects than AW images. Conclusion Dual-energy CTM can be used to diagnose spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks in SIH patient.     

Computed tomography of spontaneous acute cervical epidural hematoma

Cervical spinal epidural hematoma is a rare cause of acute neurologic syndromes including paralysis of various types. Although devastating, it can be successfully treated surgically if recognized early. We report two cases of spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma diagnosed by computed tomography, the first with a plain scan and the second with a scan after intrathecal injection of metrizamide. In both patients the diagnosis was not clinically suspected. Surgery resulted in a dramatic improvement of the neurologic deficit in both cases.     

Delayed CT myelography in spinal intramedullary metastasis

Solitary intramedullary metastasis to the spinal cord is rare and difficult to diagnose clinically. We report a case of lung carcinoma metastasizing to cervical spinal cord with an unusual feature of delayed metrizamide enhancement of the widened portion of the spinal cord. The role of CT in the diagnosis is well demonstrated in this case.     

Acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although previous reports have characterized MR imaging features of spinal epidural hematomas (EDH), few cases have been reported during the acute or hyperacute phase within the first 48 hours. Our goal in this investigation was to correlate the MR imaging features of acute (< or =48 hours) spontaneous EDH with clinical management and outcome. METHODS: Eight patients with acute spontaneous EDH (five men and three women; age range, 31-81 years) underwent MR imaging at 1.5 T (T1-weighted, n = 8; T1-weighted after the administration of 0.1 mmol/kg contrast material, n = 6; T2-weighted, n = 8; and T2-weighted, n = 4). The interval from symptom onset to hospital admission ranged from immediate to 5 days. Two neuroradiologists reviewed the MR images for signal characteristics, contrast enhancement, and cord compression. Treatment and clinical outcome were correlated with the imaging findings. RESULTS: The EDH were located in the cervical (n = 3), cervicothoracic (n = 2), thoracolumbar (n = 2), and lumbar (n = 1) regions. On T1-weighted images, the signal intensity of the EDH was isointense to spinal cord in five cases, hyperintense in two cases, and hypointense in one case and did not correlate with time to imaging. Isointensity on T1-weighted images persisted for 5 days in one case. On T2-weighted images, all EDHs were hyperintense with focal, heterogeneous hypointensity. Cord compression was severe in six patients, moderate in one patient, and minimal in one patient. Four cases were treated conservatively with complete resolution or improvement of symptoms within 1 to 3 weeks. CONCLUSION: MR imaging findings were useful in establishing the diagnosis of EDH but did not influence management or predict outcome in this series. Heterogeneous hyperintensity to cord with focal hypointensity on T2-weighted images should suggest the diagnosis of acute spinal EDH. Severity of neurologic impairment had the greatest impact on management and outcome. Nonoperative treatment may be successful in cases with minimal neurologic deficits, despite cord compression revealed by MR imaging.     

CT after myelography in complete spinal cord blocks

In each patient (two meningiomas, two lymphomas, one spine fracture) myelography demonstrated only the lower level of the block, but not enough contrast medium leaked past the block to allow myelographic identification of the upper level. On the contrary, thanks to its high power of contrast resolution, CT immediately after myelography clearly outlined the subarachnoid space both below and above the level of the block. Descending myelography was therefore not necessary. Moreover, CT also revealed associated bone and soft tissue lesions, in two cases, providing a more accurate diagnosis. It is therefore concluded that combined myelography+CT can provide complete diagnosis of spinal blocks and any associated lesions.     

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。     

CT myelography for the planning and guidance of targeted epidural blood patches in patients with persistent spinal CSF leakage

Intracranial hypotension is a rare cause of persistent headache mostly originating from a dural CSF leak. If a conservative treatment fails, a minimally invasive EBP can lead to a successful sealing of such a leak. Independent of the leakage site, an EBP is usually applied at the lumbar level with varying success. We used CT myelography to detect the site of the dural leakage, then immediately applied a targeted EBP at the corresponding level to patch the leak. Seven patients from our clinic were treated with a single targeted EBP in the lumbar or cervical spine. Within 24 hours, 6 patients experienced a considerable relief of symptoms; 1 patient went into remission after a repeat procedure. Our preliminary data suggest that a CT-guided, CT myelography-assisted targeted EBP is a safe and effective treatment for persistent spinal CSF leaks.     

Transient edema of the spinal cord as a result of spontaneous acute epidural hematoma in the thoracic spine

We present an unusual case of spontaneous epidural hemorrhage in the thoracic spine resulting in rapid onset of transient and extensive edema in the spinal cord. The patient presented with acute onset of midscapular back pain, bilateral lower extremity weakness, and bladder dysfunction. Repeat MRI 20 days after decompression of the hematoma showed residual hematoma and complete resolution of the spinal cord edema. The implications and differential diagnosis of spinal cord edema in this clinical setting are discussed.     

Metrizamide CT myelography in the evaluation of spinal arachnoid diverticula

An example of a symptomatic intradural arachnoid diverticulum is presented. The usefulness of computed tomographic metrizamide myelography in conjunction with conventional positive contrast myelography in the evaluation of such lesions is discussed.     

Late CT manifestations in spontaneous lobar hematoma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to determine the late CT manifestations of spontaneous lobar hematoma. METHOD: Serial CT studies were performed in 75 cases. The initial study was done during the acute stage of stroke, and the subsequent one was performed at least 6 months later. RESULTS: There were 20 cases (27%) with no trace of previous hemorrhage, 14 (19%) with a slit cavity, 11 (15%) with a small round cavity, 20 (27%) with pseudoinfarct, 8 (11%) with ventricular deformity but no residual cavity, and 2 (3%) with only calcification at the site of the hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Our data show that the typical residual slit was relatively uncommon in lobar hematomas and that, depending on their size, hematomas would disappear, reduce to a small cavity, or form a pseudoinfarct.     

MR demonstration of spontaneous acute epidural hematoma of the thoracic spine

Summary Two patients with spontaneous epidural hematoma of the thoracic spine are presented. The magnetic resonance (MR) examination performed within the first hours following the onset of symptoms demonstrated an epidural elongated lesion impinging on the spinal cord, compatible with hematoma. In one of the patients this finding was surgically confirmed. The second patient improved under steroid treatment. The MR findings were highly suggestive of the pathological nature of the lesion. The MR examination should replace other diagnostic procedures, such as computerised tomography (CT) and myelography.     

PROPELLER diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of acute spinal epidural hematoma

We present the case of an 86-year-old female with spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. Although T1- and T2-weighted images showed the dilated posterior epidural space at the cervical spine, this finding was non-specific on conventional magnetic resonance imaging obtained 15 h after the onset of symptoms. Diffusion-weighted imaging with the use of periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER), which clearly revealed the high intensity hematoma, was useful for detection and diagnosis of acute spinal epidural hematoma.