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Early MRI findings in stab wound of the cervical spine: two case reports
1Inonu Universitesi Turgut Ozal Tip Merkezi, Radyoloji Anabilim Dali, Malatya, Turkey.
Abstract:
MR imaging was found to be the most sensitive modality for the detection of spinal cord abnormalities in the acutely injured spine. Although it is reported that traumatic pneumomyelogram indicates a base-of-skull or middle cranial fossa fracture and is almost certainly associated with intracranial subarachnoid air, early MR imaging may demonstrate subarachnoid air in penetrating trauma of the spinal cord without head injury. We report two cervical-spine stab-wound cases, one of which had subarachnoid air on early MR findings.
Insights
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is highly sensitive for detecting spinal cord injuries. Early MR scans can reveal subarachnoid air in penetrating spinal trauma, even without associated head injuries.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Trauma Imaging
Background:
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the most sensitive method for diagnosing spinal cord abnormalities in acute spinal injuries.
- Traumatic pneumomyelography typically suggests cranial fractures and intracranial air, but this association may not always hold true.
Observation:
- This study presents two cases of cervical spine stab wounds.
- One patient exhibited subarachnoid air on early MR imaging, despite the absence of a head injury.
Findings:
- Early MR imaging can detect subarachnoid air in penetrating spinal cord trauma.
- This finding is significant even when no concurrent head injury is present.
Implications:
- MR imaging is crucial for evaluating penetrating spinal cord injuries.
- The presence of subarachnoid air on early MR scans in spinal trauma warrants careful consideration, even without evidence of head trauma.