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Updated: Sep 25, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
Pictorial review: MRI of chronic spinal cord injury
1The Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4LP, UK.
Abstract:
Patients who have suffered a spinal cord injury and who demonstrate new or changing clinical features such as increasing myelopathy, ascending neurological level, pain or increasing muscle spasms may have developed a late complication such as post-traumatic syrinx. MRI is the investigation of choice for assessment of chronic spinal cord injury. The aim of this pictorial review is to illustrate the various late appearances of the injured spinal cord.
Insights
Patients with spinal cord injury experiencing new symptoms may have a late complication like post-traumatic syrinx. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for assessing chronic spinal cord injury and its varied appearances.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to late complications, significantly impacting patient recovery and quality of life.
- New or worsening clinical features in SCI patients, including myelopathy, altered neurological level, pain, or spasms, warrant investigation for delayed complications.
- Post-traumatic syrinx is a recognized late complication following spinal cord injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the diverse late manifestations of the injured spinal cord.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing imaging features of chronic spinal cord injury complications.
- To serve as a visual guide for clinicians evaluating patients with a history of SCI.
Main Methods:
- This is a pictorial review, focusing on the visual representation of findings.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the primary imaging modality discussed.
- The review showcases various late appearances of the spinal cord after injury.
Main Results:
- The study visually demonstrates the spectrum of chronic spinal cord injury changes.
- Illustrations highlight common and uncommon late complications, including post-traumatic syrinx.
- MRI findings correlate with clinical presentations of progressive neurological deficits.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing late complications of spinal cord injury is essential for timely diagnosis and management.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for evaluating chronic spinal cord injury and its sequelae.
- This pictorial review aids in the identification of diverse post-injury spinal cord appearances.
