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Case report: spinal cord infarction demonstrated on diffusion-weighted MR imaging with a single-shot fast spin-echo
Akira Fujikawa1, Kazuhiro Tsuchiya, Prabhat Koppera
1Department of Radiology, Japan Self-Defencse Forces Central Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. akfujikawa@aol.com
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|June 10, 2003
Summary
Diffusion-weighted MRI reveals hyperintensity in spinal cord infarction. This technique aids in assessing ischemic changes and diffusion coefficient values over time.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Spinal cord infarction is a rare but serious condition.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
- Diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a sensitive technique for detecting acute ischemic lesions.
Observation:
- Three cases of spinal cord infarction were evaluated using a novel single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) DW MR imaging technique.
- Images were acquired at various time points post-ischemia (20 hours, 3 days, 18 days).
- Follow-up imaging was performed in two patients at 17 days and 3 months.
Findings:
- SSFSE-DW MR images consistently showed areas of hyperintensity in the affected spinal cord regions.
- Persistent decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were observed on follow-up DW MR images.
- The findings suggest that SSFSE-DW imaging can effectively detect and monitor spinal cord ischemic changes.
Implications:
- Single-shot fast spin-echo diffusion-weighted imaging offers valuable insights into spinal cord infarction.
- This technique may enhance the assessment of ischemic changes in the spinal cord.
- Further research could establish SSFSE-DW imaging as a standard tool for spinal cord ischemia.