Learning objectives
Our purpose is to review Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of spine pathology in our emergency department and plan standardized imaging protocols for an accurate diagnosis.
Background
Myelopathy,
is a damage to the spinal cord resulting in a change,
either temporary or permanent,
in the cords normal motor,
sensory or autonomic function; but the term also includes meningeal or parameningeal space damage or dysfunction.
Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) often have permanent and devastating neurologic deficits and disability.
Traumatic injuries,
vascular diseases,
tumoral diseases,
infections and inflammatory and autoimmune processes may affect the spinal cord due to its confinement in a very small place.
A detailed history (injury duration,
severity and...
Findings and procedure details
We report some cases presented to the emergency department with acute myelopathy.
CASE 1
We report a 81-year-old man,
with a history of prostatic adenocarcinoma,
who presented with sensory and motor disturbances of both lower extremities.
On MRI,
compression fracture of D4 with soft tissue mass was observed.
Sagital T1-weighted image showed vertebral body compression and soft tissue component with cord medullaris abnormal signal intensity related to spinal-cord compression.
CASE 2
We report a 74-year-old man with history of non-small cell lung carcinoma with multiple...
Conclusion
MRI is the primary technique to investigate spine pathology,
particularly when spinal cord or nerve injury is suspected.
Radiologist must be familiar with possible etiologies and imaging protocol,
as many of these processes affecting the spinal cord may be revertible if recognized and treated early.
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Rajasekaran S,
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The value of CT and MRI in the classification and surgical decision-making among spine surgeons in thoracolumbar spinal injuries.
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