MRI findings in spinal subdural and epidural hematomas

BACKGROUND: Spinal hematomas are rare entities that can be the cause of an acute spinal cord compression syndrome. Therefore, an early diagnosis is of great importance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2005 seven patients with intense back pain and/or acute progressive neurological deficit were studied via 1.5 T MRI (in axial and sagittal T1- and T2-weighted sequences). Follow-up MRI was obtained in six patients. RESULTS: Four patients showed the MRI features of a hyperacute spinal hematoma (two spinal subdural hematoma [SSH] and two spinal epidural hematoma [SEH]), isointense to the spinal cord on T1- and hyperintense on T2-weighted sequences. One patient had an early subacute SEH manifest as heterogeneous signal intensity with areas of high signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. Another patient had a late subacute SSH with high signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted sequences. The final patient had a SEH in the late chronic phase being hypointense on T1- and T2-weighted sequences. DISCUSSION: MRI is valuable in diagnosing the presence, location and extent of spinal hematomas. Hyperacute spinal hematoma and the differentiation between SSH and SEH are particular diagnostic challenges. In addition, MRI is an important tool in the follow-up in patients with conservative treatment.     

Spinal epidural haematoma: report of 11 cases and review of the literature

Spinal epidural haematomas (SEH) are rare; most are caused by trauma, anticoagulant therapy, vascular anomalies, hypertension, blood dyscrasias, epidural anaesthesia or, rarely, spinal surgery. We report 11 cases and review the literature (16 cases). The clinical picture is that of acute spinal cord compression. MRI characteristics are quite specific. On sagittal sections, the SEH appears as a biconvex mass, dorsal to the thecal sac, clearly outlined and with tapering superior and inferior margins. The dura mater is seen as curvilinear low signal separating the haematoma from the cord. Within 24 h of onset, the haematoma is isointense with the cord on T1-weighted images and heterogeneous on T2-weighted images. Later, it gives high signal on both T1- and T2-weighted images. Differential diagnosis must include subdural haematoma, epidural neoplasm and abscess. Complete neurological recovery rapidly follows laminectomy and removal of the clot. In three of our cases, the haematoma resolved spontaneously. MRI is the best examination for diagnostic and follow-up.     

Syphilitic myelitis with diffuse spinal cord abnormality on MR imaging

Syphilitic myelitis is a very rare manifestation of neurosyphilis. The MRI appearance of syphilitic myelitis is not well documented and only a few cases have been reported. We present a 52-year-old woman with acute onset of paraplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed diffuse high signal intensity in the whole spinal cord on T2-weighted images. Focal enhancement was observed in the dorsal aspect of the thoracic cord on T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced images. To our knowledge, diffuse spinal cord abnormality in syphilitic myelitis has not been reported in the international literature. Disappearance of the diffuse high-signal lesions with residual focal enhancement was noted after antibiotic therapy. The patient suffered significant neurological deficit despite improvement in the MR images. In this article we present the imaging findings and review the literature of this rare condition. Electronic Publication     

脊柱区淋巴瘤的MRI特征

目的 分析脊柱区淋巴瘤的MRI表现,以提高对其的认识.方法 回顾性分析经手术及穿刺病理或临床随访证实的脊柱区淋巴瘤45例,其中原发性5例,均为非霍奇金淋巴瘤(NHL);继发性4|D例,其中霍奇金淋巴瘤(HL)9例,NHL 31例(B细胞型27例,T细胞型4例).将MRI表现与临床、病理结果进行对照.结果 (1)病变部位:单部位发病者13例,多部位发病者32例.5例原发性者均为单部位发病,继发性者40例中32例为多发.(2)病变类型:骨质破坏型27例,表现为不同程度的骨质破坏,23例合并有软组织肿块,18例软组织病变的范围超过骨质破坏的范围;软组织肿块型6例,骨质破坏不明显,5例表现为椎管内外软组织肿块并经椎间孔相连,呈围椎、钻孔生长的特点;骨髓浸润型9例,表现为椎骨髓质MRI信号异常,骨皮质完整,椎旁软组织正常;脊髓浸润型3例,表现为脊髓增粗和MRI信号异常.(3)MRI表现:椎骨骨质破坏和骨髓浸润表现为T1WI低信号,T2WI低、等或高信号,压脂T2WI高信号.软组织肿块与相邻正常肌肉相比,T1WI呈均匀低信号,T2WI呈高信号.增强扫描肿块多呈轻至中度强化,坏死液化不明显.结论 脊柱区淋巴瘤多为继发性B细胞NHL,其主要表现是溶骨性骨质破坏伴较大范围的软组织肿块,肿块有经椎间孔相连围椎、钻孔生长的特点,增强扫描呈轻至中度均匀强化.     

Cervical spine fractures in ankylosing spondylitis: MR findings

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the MR findings in patients with long-term ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and acute cervical spine fractures. Materials and methods: The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of five patients with AS and acute cervical spine fractures were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of cervical spine instability, spinal cord compression, and epidural hematoma. Results: Spinal fractures were unstable in all five patients. Three patients had neurological symptoms and abnormal signal within the spinal cord. All patients with neurological deficits had epidural hematomas posterior to the dural sac. Conclusion: MRI is useful for assessment of the integrity of intervertebral disks and spinal ligaments and, therefore, of the instability of the spinal fracture. MRI is mandatory in patients with neurological symptoms, especially in those with a symptom-free interval and those with neurological deterioration after established spinal cord injury, when suspicion for epidural hematoma is high. Electronic Publication     

Spinal MR findings in continuous epidural analgesia without infection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spinal epidural abscesses are major complications of epidural anesthesia, and their MR features have been reported. In patients receiving continuous infusion via an epidural catheter, MR findings may mimic those of spinal epidural abscess in the absence of infection. The purpose of this study was to assess the spinal MR findings associated with continuous epidural anesthesia. METHODS: Spinal MR findings in five consecutive patients receiving continuous epidural anesthesia were retrospectively evaluated. Axial and sagittal T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo and contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted spin-echo images were obtained. Infection was ruled out on microbiologic analysis three patients and on follow-up in two. Each lesion was evaluated for its MR signal intensity, location, extent, delineation, and enhancement pattern. In three patients, follow-up MR imaging was performed within 5-150 days, and the images were compared. RESULTS: Posterior epidural lesions were identified in all five patients. The lesions were isointense to hypointense relative to the spinal cord on T1-weighted images, isointense relative to CSF on T2-weighted images, and well enhanced on enhanced T1-weighted images. The anomalous enhancement involved two to seven vertebral bodies. In one patient, the enhanced lesion slightly compressed the spinal cord. On follow-up MR imaging, the epidural lesions decreased in two patients and did not change in one. CONCLUSION: Continuous epidural anesthesia can result in MR findings similar to those of epidural abscess, even in the absence of infection.     

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.     

Epidural abscess of the cervical spine: MR findings in five cases.

Cervical epidural abscess is an uncommon infectious process of the spinal epidural space. Although this disorder is often unsuspected clinically, the patient's signs and symptoms may suggest other diagnoses that frequently lead to an MR examination. We retrospectively reviewed the MR examinations of five patients with surgically proved cervical epidural abscess in order to assist in the diagnosis of this clinically elusive disorder. Each epidural abscess was evaluated for MR signal intensity, location, extent, delineation, and enhancement pattern. We assessed the spinal cord for compression and signal intensity and analyzed the vertebrae, intervertebral disks, and paraspinal soft tissue. Compared with the spinal cord, the abscess was isointense or hypointense on T1-weighted spin-echo images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. The abscess was hyperintense or isointense relative to the cord on T2* gradient-echo images. Enhancement of the abscess occurred in the two patients given an IV injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine. The epidural abscess was located anteriorly in three patients, posteriorly in one, and was circumferential in one. The abscess extended from two to nine vertebral bodies in length. In each case, the abscess caused some degree of spinal cord compression, and one patient had bright signal intensity within the cord on T2-weighted images. Three patients had MR changes of accompanying osteomyelitis and paravertebral abscess. MR imaging is useful in diagnosing cervical epidural abscess and in evaluating associated abnormality of the spinal cord, vertebral bodies, intervertebral disks, and paraspinal soft tissue.     

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.     

MRI of acute spinal epidural hematomas.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to determine the MR findings that characterize acute spinal epidural hematomas (ASEHs). METHOD: The MR findings of 17 patients with ASEH (9 cervical, 7 thoracic, and 2 lumbar) were reviewed. Fifteen of the hematomas were secondary to trauma and two were spontaneous. Correlation with CT (8 cases) and surgical findings (11 cases) was also performed. RESULTS: Imaging findings in ASEH were the following: (a) a variable signal intensity (on T1-weighted images, 10 showed isointensity to cord and 7 were slightly hyperintense; T2-weighted images showed hyperintensity with areas of hypointensity); (b) capping of epidural fat; (c) direct continuity with the adjacent osseous structures; (d) compression of epidural fat, subarachnoid sac, and spinal cord; (e) usually posterolateral location in the spinal canal. CONCLUSION: Epidural hematomas in the spinal canal are lesions capable of producing sudden spinal cord and/or cauda equina compression. MR provides characteristic findings that allow a prompt diagnosis of acute epidural hematomas.     

Primary vertebral and spinal epidural non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with spinal cord compression

We examined eight patients with primary spinal epidural non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with spinal cord compression and proven histologically after laminectomy (7 cases) or biopsy (1 case) by MRI. The most common findings were an isointense or low signal relative to the spinal cord on T1-weighted images (T1WI) and high signal on T2-weighted images (T2WI). Spinal cord compression, vertebral bone marrow and paravertebral extension were assessed. Contrast enhancement was intense in seven of the eight cases and homogeneous in all of them. T2WI (performed in 2 cases) may be useful to distinguish metastatic carcinomas and sarcomas. T1WI demonstrated the full extent of the epidural lesion, which was well-delineated in all cases. When the paravertebral extension is not well-defined, a study with contrast medium should be performed.     

MR findings in spinal hemangioblastoma: correlation with symptoms and with angiographic and surgical findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To our knowledge, a detailed analysis of MR findings in spinal hemangioblastoma has not been conducted to date. Our purpose was to elucidate the MR features of this disease with special attention to tumor size, correlation with MR findings and clinical symptoms, and any differences between patients with and without von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHLD). METHODS: MR images in five patients with VHLD and seven patients without VHLD were reviewed retrospectively for spinal hemangioblastoma by two neuroradiologists. The MR findings were correlated with clinical symptoms and with angiographic and surgical findings. RESULTS: The MR features depended on the size of the spinal hemangioblastoma. Small (10 mm or less) hemangioblastomas were mostly isointense on T1-weighted images, hyperintense on T2-weighted images, and showed homogeneous enhancement. Larger hemangioblastomas tended to be hypointense or mixed hypo- and isointense on T1-weighted images, heterogeneous on T2-weighted images, and tended to show heterogeneous enhancement. Small hemangioblastomas were located at the surface of the spinal cord, most frequently along its posterior aspect. These were subpial in location at surgery and showed well-demarcated, intense enhancement. Symptomatic small hemangioblastomas had relatively large associated syringes, whereas asymptomatic ones did not. A hemangioblastoma larger than 24 mm was invariably accompanied by vascular flow voids. There was no difference in the MR findings between the two patient groups except for the multiplicity and higher percentage of small tumors in patients with VHLD. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of these MR features helps to differentiate spinal hemangioblastoma from other diseases that show enhancing nodules.     

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。     

Diffusion-weighted MRI in acute spinal cord ischaemia

Abstract Acute spinal cord ischaemia is often undetectable with conventional MRI. Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) has been difficult to use in the spine because of susceptibility artefacts. We assessed the diagnostic value of echoplanar DWI for early confirmation of spinal cord ischaemia. We performed conventional MRI and DWI in two men and three women, aged 54–75 years with clinically suspected acute spinal cord ischaemia. Imaging was performed 9–46 h after the onset of symptoms, and 2–9 days later to assess the extent of ischaemic signal change. Spatial resolution of DWI within the spine using standard equipment was poor, but in all patients, early DWI revealed areas of high signal indicating decreased diffusion, confirmed by measurement of apparent diffusion coefficients. Follow-up MRI showed high signal on T2-weighted images and contrast enhancement at the expected levels. Neurological deficits corresponded with radiological findings in four patients: various syndromes, including isolated bilateral weakness or sensory change and combined deficits, were found. Echoplanar DWI may be helpful for confirmation of spinal cord ischaemia in the acute stage, but follow-up T2-weighted images have superior spatial resolution and correlation with clinical findings and lesion extent.     

MRI findings of extramedullary haemopoiesis

Extramedullary haemopoiesis (EH) is a compensatory process associated with chronic haemolytic anaemia. It is rare, however, for such an abnormality to cause spinal cord compression. We present two patients with known beta-thalassaemia intermedia who developed spinal cord compression due to masses of extramedullary haematopoietic tissue in the epidural space of the thoracic spine. The EH masses were diagnosed by MRI as an isointense epidural lesion on both T1- and T2-weighted images, compressing severely the spinal cord. After administration of a paramagnetic agent, an intermediate enhancement of the masses was evident. All the vertebral bodies had low to intermediate signal intensity as a result of displacement of fatty marrow by haematopoietic marrow. Expansion of thoracic ribs with bilateral paravertebral masses were characteristic. A small dose of radiotherapy was given and marked improvement in neurological symptoms was evident. An MRI examination established shrinkage of the mass and decompression of spinal cord. The role of MRI in diagnosis of EH masses is essential and radiation therapy is a very effective treatment for this rare complication.     

脊髓梗死的磁共振诊断初探

目的:探讨脊髓梗死的MRI诊断,评价其诊断价值.方法:对临床怀疑脊髓梗死的7例病例进行MRI检查,包括常规矢状位T1WI、T2WI、SPIR和轴位T1WI、T2WI,其中6例病例有增强扫描,5例有扩散加权序列.结果:脊髓梗死诊断7例:颈段3例,胸腰段4例.MR信号强度与发病时间、病程进展有关:发病3天内脊髓略肿胀,T1WI略低信号,T2WI略高信号,扩散为高信号,无明显强化.3～14 d病灶呈T1WI低信号,T2WI高信号,可有不同程度强化,扩散为高信号.2周后扩散为混杂信号.缓解期,病变受损范围可减少1～2个节段.结论:MRI可显示脊髓梗死的病变范围及受累部位,与临床结合,可早期诊断.     

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging in acute spinal cord ischemia

We report diffusion-weighted (DW) MR findings for acute spinal cord ischemia in a 56-year-old patient. MR imaging obtained approximately 3 h after symptom onset demonstrated an area of hyperintensity on DW images, but no conspicuous signal abnormality on T2-weighted images in the conus medullaris. DW imaging of the spinal cord can contribute to the early detection of spinal cord vascular compromise.     

脊髓亚急性联合变性的MRI诊断要点分析

目的分析脊髓亚急性联合变性(SCD)的MRI诊断要点。资料与方法回顾性分析15例临床确诊SCD的病人临床及MRI资料,分析其脊髓MRI表现特点,统计分析SCD病人受累脊髓节段数与血清VB12水平、发病时间的相关性。结果 15例SCD病人均于横断面影像上显示颈胸段脊髓对称性等或长T1、长T2信号,13例病变主要位于颈胸段水平脊髓后索,2例同时累及后索、侧索及前索。但于横断面T2WI上颈段与胸段脊髓异常信号形态各具特点。颈段脊髓受累时于横断面T2WI上呈脊髓内"倒V"形或"反兔耳"形的对称性高信号。胸段脊髓受累时于横断面T2WI上呈脊髓内"哑铃"形的对称性高信号。统计学分析显示15例SCD病人脊髓受累节段数与血清VB12水平呈负相关,而与病程长短无相关性。结论脊髓MR成像对于SCD脊髓疾病的诊断有重要价值。     

Serial MRI changes in radiation myelopathy

Using MRI we assessed the changes in signal, size, and contrast enhancement characteristics of the cervical spinal cord in radiation myelopathy developing after radio-therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We studied two men and five women, aged 40–77 years. The first MRI study was performed 1–4 months after the initial clinical manifestations of myelopathy, and follow-up MRI 2–22 months after the onset of symptoms. On the first study, all patients showed low signal intensity in a long segment of the cervical spinal cord on T1-weighted images, high signal on T2^*-weighted images, and focal contrast enhancement at C1-2. In five patients there was also swelling of the spinal cord. The site of eccentric focal contrast enhancement correlated with the clinical manifestations. Follow-up imaging less than 10 months after the onset of symptoms showed no significant changes in signal intensity. Focal contrast enhancement at C1–2 remained the same in three patients, was more dense and larger in one, and less dense in another. Subsidence of swelling was seen in two patients. Atrophy of the spinal cord at C1–2, without abnormal signal and with faint contrast enhancement at C1–2 was revealed as early as 10 months after the onset of symptoms, but the contrast enhancement disappeared by 22 months. There was no correlation between clinical manifestations and spinal cord atrophy on MRI.     

Central nervous system tuberculosis: MRI

The MRI findings of 18 proven cases of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis were reviewed; 10 patients were seropositive for HIV. All had medical, laboratory, or surgical proof of CNS tuberculosis. Eleven patients had meningitis, of whom two also had arachnoiditis. Five patients had focal intra-axial tuberculomas: four brain masses and one an intramedullary spinal lesion. Two patients had focal extra-axial tuberculomas: one in the pontine cistern, and one in the spine. In all 11 patients with meningitis MRI showed diffuse, thick, meningeal enhancement. All intraparenchymal tuberculomas showed low signal intensity on T2-weighted images and ring or nodular enhancement. The extra-axial tuberculomas had areas isointense or hypoitense relative to normal brain and spinal cord on T2-weighted images. Although tuberculous meningitis cannot be differentiated from other meningitides on the basis of MR findings, intraparenchymal tuberculomas show characteristic T2 shortening, not found in most other space-occupying lesions. In the appropriate clinical setting, tuberculoma should be considered.