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MRI in chronic spinal cord trauma

W L Curati1, D P Kingsley, B E Kendall

  • 1MRI Unit, Queen Square Imaging Centre, London, UK.

Neuroradiology
|January 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals common spinal cord injuries like myelomalacia and syrinx. Early and repeated MRI scans are recommended for timely detection and management of spinal trauma sequelae.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can lead to significant neurological deficits.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key diagnostic tool for evaluating SCIs.
  • Understanding the prevalence and progression of post-traumatic changes is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To correlate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with clinical parameters in patients with spinal cord injuries.
  • To determine the incidence of specific MRI-detected sequelae following spinal trauma.
  • To assess the relationship between MRI findings, injury severity, and time since trauma.

Main Methods:

  • Eighty-seven patients (aged 16-68 years) with spinal cord injuries underwent MRI.
  • MRI findings were correlated with the duration of symptoms, neurological function, and injury location.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant associations.

Main Results:

  • MRI revealed myelomalacia in 37%, syrinx in 40%, cord compression in 32%, and atrophy in 18% of patients.
  • Extensive syrinx formation was observed within 2 months post-injury.
  • Syrinxes were nearly twice as common in patients with complete paralysis compared to incomplete paralysis.

Conclusions:

  • MRI is effective in identifying various sequelae of spinal cord injury.
  • Early and repeated MRI examinations are vital for detecting complications like syrinx formation.
  • Integrating early and serial MRI into the management protocol can improve outcomes for spinal trauma patients.

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