Magnetic resonance imaging in suspected metastatic spinal cord compression

This study describes high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in 55 patients with suspected metastatic spinal cord compression. MRI, principally using T1-weighted sagittal surface coil images, showed evidence of cord compression in 29 patients, and intramedullary masses in three patients. MRI clearly showed the site, nature and extent of the cord compression and gave useful additional information about the presence of bone marrow metastases and paravertebral soft-tissue masses. Comparison with conventional myelography was possible in 21 patients and MRI was superior or equivalent to myelography in 18 patients and inferior in three patients. MRI is the method of choice for the investigation of patients with suspected metastatic spinal cord compression.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of acute spinal cord injury

Summary Magnetic resonance imaging of acute spinal cord injury is described. The traumatized cord segment was clearly shown as a hyperintensity in a T2-weighted image whereas it appeared as an isointensity in a moderately T1-weighted image. This different sensitivity may result from parenchymal hemorrhagic tissue and edematous changes due to direct trauma. Hyperintense tissue was also seen in the retro-pharyngeal and-tracheal spaces.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal cord syndromes

Thirty-four patients with intramedullary space-occupying lesions or cord compression syndromes were examined with a resistive and two different superconductive magnetic resonance (MR) imaging units. Studies were done primarily by the spin-echo (SE) technique and in the majority of patients different pulse sequences were used. Images with short echo-time (TE) and short recovery-time (TR) were best for demonstration of spinal cord anatomy, for depicting cystic portions in intramedullary tumours and for showing syringomyelia. Solid intramedullary tumours showed normal cord signal intensity. Images with prolonged TE and TR predominantly enhanced CSF signal intensity and, to a more considerable extent, solid intramedullary tumours. Thus, the diameter of the subarachnoid space and the presence of a solid intramedullary tumour, not concomitant with a significant enlargement of the spinal cord, could only be recognized on these prolonged SE images. Major advantages of MR in comparison to CT are that the spinal cord can be imaged in the sagittal plane and that beam hardening artifacts do not occur; in comparison to myelography the cord can be imaged directly by MR. Partial volume is a major limitation of MR, not only in the preferably applied sagittal plane. The choice of slice thickness adequate to the diameter of the lesion and straight positioning of the patient for sagittal single slice midline images are fundamental for reliable MR investigations. Another limitation to MR is that cortical bone gives no signal. The actual diameter of the spinal canal therefore cannot be correctly appreciated and consequently it was difficult or impossible to assess spinal stenosis.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of mouse spinal cord.

The feasibility of performing high-resolution in vivo MRI on mouse spinal cord (SC) at 9.4 T magnetic field strength is demonstrated. The MR properties of the cord tissue were measured and the characteristics of water diffusion in the SC were quantified. The data indicate that the differences in the proton density (PD) and transverse relaxation time between gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) dominate the contrast seen on the mouse SC images at 9.4 T. However, on heavily T(2)-weighted images these differences result in a reversal of contrast. The diffusion of water in the cord is anisotropic, but the WM exhibits greater anisotropy and principal diffusivity than the GM. The quantitative data presented here should establish a standard for comparing similar measurements obtained from the SCs of genetically engineered mouse or mouse models of SC injury (SCI).     

脊髓室管膜瘤的MRI表现

目的探讨脊髓内室管膜瘤的MRI表现,提高对本病的认识。方法收集我院经病理证实的脊髓室管膜瘤13例,分析肿瘤部位、信号特点、有无囊变、出血及帽征、椎间孔扩大及肿瘤强化方式。结果肿瘤位于颈髓6例,胸髓3例,终丝及马尾4例.在T1WI上呈等、低信号,在T2WI上呈高信号、混杂信号.9例见囊变,3例可见肿瘤内出血,2例椎间孔扩大.13例均出现不同程度强化,1例呈轻度强化,3例中度强化,9例重度强化,11例肿瘤与正常脊髓分界清楚。结论髓内室管膜瘤MRI表现具有一定特点,结合其发病部位、边界、囊变、出血、强化特征及临床资料常可作出正确诊断。     

Magnetic resonance imaging of intramedullary spinal cord metastases

In this report we describe the appearance of four intramedullary spinal cord metastases on T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. The epidemiology, clinical presentation, and the use of magnetic resonance imaging in these rare lesions are discussed.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of primary malignant bone tumors

The authors report a retrospective study that suggests that MRI may be superior to CT for the preoperative evaluation of bone tumors.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of primary malignant bone tumors

The authors find that MRI yields more useful information in a single study than CT, Tc scanning or angiography; they use it as the primary local staging procedure in malignant bone tumors.     

椎管内神经源性肿瘤的磁共振成像表现

目的分析椎管内神经源性肿瘤的磁共振成像（MRI）表现,探讨其影像特征及鉴别诊断。方法回顾性分析13例经手术病理证实的椎管内神经源性肿瘤（神经鞘瘤9例,神经纤维瘤4例）的MRI表现。结果肿瘤呈圆形或类圆形3例,椭圆形6例,不规则哑铃形4例。肿瘤呈等T1信号5例,长T1信号8例;等T2信号3例,长T2信号10例。病灶内可见片状或斑片状坏死3例。增强扫描4例明显不均匀强化,9例均匀强化。结论MRI检查对椎管内神经源性肿瘤具有较好的诊断价值,根据神经源性肿瘤的特征性表现可以很好地对椎管内肿瘤进行诊断和鉴别诊断。     

Magnetic resonance imaging contribution to the diagnosis of spinal cord compression by a subdural arachnoid cyst

Summary A case of subdural arachnoid cyst of the thoracic spine was studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), myelography and CT myelography. Myelography and especially CT myelography suggested the diagnosis; MRI established it, showing the communication between the cyst and the subarachnoid space. Final characterization was based on surgical findings and pathological examination.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of malignant hepatic tumors in adults]

Recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had an important place in imaging techniques of malignant primitive tumors of the liver. For many authors, this technique appears as the reference modality for hepatic tumor evaluation. Nevertheless, MRI is considered to be primarily a problem-solving rather than a screening modality. This specific goal of this technique is due to a more precise characterization of the lesions compared to other imaging modalities. The authors, according to recent data in literature and their own experience, present MRI findings of the more frequent malignant hepatic tumors encountered in adult.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal cord trauma: a pictorial essay

Assessing a patient with clinical signs of acute spinal cord trauma is an emergency. A radiological work-up is crucial in determining management, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice. It should therefore be performed immediately, preferably within 3 hours, even when plain radiography does not show an abnormality. By choosing an appropriate imaging protocol, it is possible to assess the spinal cord, joints, muscles, ligaments and bone marrow of the spine. Moreover, early MRI findings assist in determining functional prognosis. A major limitation to early MRI is that the examination is usually restricted to stable trauma patients because of the difficulties in monitoring ventilated patients during scanning. However, when an anaesthesiologist with experience in MRI and MR-compatible monitoring equipment is available, even these patients can be safely examined. MRI is also indicated for the evaluation of patients with late complications and sequelae following spinal cord trauma, since many of these chronic lesions are potentially treatable.     

视神经脊髓炎脑部及脊髓影像学特征

目的探讨视神经脊髓炎(neuromyelitis optica,NMO)患者脑部及脊髓MRI影像学表现及特征。方法回顾性分析符合2006年Wingerchuk诊断标准23例NMO患者的脑部、脊髓MRI表现,分析NMO患者脑部及脊髓病灶的分布及信号特点。结果典型的NMO脑内病灶位于脑室室管膜下、下丘脑及脑干等部位,表现为斑点、斑片及线状异常信号。5例脑部增强检查均未见异常强化病灶。NMO患者脊髓常呈长节段横贯性或次横贯性损伤,且以脊髓中央灰质受累为主,可见线样征。结论 NMO患者脊髓及脑部MRI出现异常信号有较特异的好发部位,病灶的分布有其自身特征。     

Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal plasmacytoma

AIM: To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of spinal plasmacytoma.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical records and MRI findings in six patients (five men, one woman; age range 41-61 years) with histologically proven plasmacytoma of the spine were reviewed. All studies included sagittal T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo sequences and axial T1-weighted spin-echo sequences. Intravenous gadolinium DTPA was administered in four cases.RESULTS: MRI showed a characteristic appearances in four cases of low signal intensity curvilinear areas within the vertebra or cortical irregularity.CONCLUSION: Recognition of these imaging features can initiate the appropriate investigation as the commonest differential diagnosis for such lesions is metastasis.Shah, B. K. (2000). Clinical Radiology55, 439-445.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal amyloid

This report describes a patient with a history of breast carcinoma who presented with back pain and multiple collapsed vertebrae. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a diffuse bone marrow abnormality, more in keeping with an infiltrative process than with metastases. A bone biopsy confirmed the suspected diagnosis of vertebral involvement by amyloid.