Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
05:53

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery

Published on: August 17, 2022

[MR appearance of the spinal canal vascular malformations]

Marek Sasiadek1, Zdzisława Bem

  • 1Katedra i Zakład Radiologii, Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu. mareks@rad.am.wroc.pl

Przeglad Lekarski
|July 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MR) is effective for diagnosing rare spinal canal vascular malformations. This study highlights MR

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Spinal canal vascular malformations are uncommon and present with non-specific clinical signs.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and preventing complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MR) in diagnosing spinal canal vascular malformations.
  • To describe the characteristic MR findings associated with these rare conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 6 patients diagnosed with spinal canal vascular malformations.
  • All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MR).
  • MR angiography and conventional angiography were used in select cases; computed tomography (CT) was used in one case.

Main Results:

  • MR identified tortuous, low-signal foci consistent with pathological vessels in all 6 patients.
  • MR angiography visualized malformations in 2 patients, confirmed by conventional angiography.
  • Spinal cord edema was noted in 2 patients; spinal cord hematoma was diagnosed via CT in one patient.

Conclusions:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MR) is a highly efficient diagnostic tool for spinal canal vascular malformations.
  • MR should be the initial imaging modality for suspected cases.
  • Comprehensive evaluation may involve MR angiography and conventional angiography.

Related Concept Videos

Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy01:16

Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy

The cross-sectional anatomy of the spinal cord offers a detailed view of its complex structure and function within the central nervous system. At the core of the spinal cord lies the gray matter, characterized by its butterfly or "H"-shaped appearance in cross-section. This central region is enveloped by white matter, with the overall structure divided into symmetrical halves by the dorsal median sulcus and the ventral median fissure.
Gray Matter and its Components
Central to the gray matter is...
Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature01:16

Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature

The vertebral column or spine is a flexible column that supports the head, neck, and body and  allows for their movements. It also protects the spinal cord.
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
Neurulation01:30

Neurulation

Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...