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Subtle cord magnetic resonance changes in cervical myelomalacia
R Heinz1, W W Woodruff, B P Drayer
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
Acta Radiologica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Spinal cord injury can cause hidden myelomalacia, a condition where the spinal cord softens. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed subtle cervical spinal cord changes in patients with unexplained neurological deficits, confirming this diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Spinal Cord Imaging
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to various cystic lesions.
- Radiological examinations often fail to detect abnormalities in patients with SCI despite neurological deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate subtle spinal cord changes in patients with SCI and neurological deficits but no clear radiological abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
- Focus on cervical spinal cord in 6 patients with unexplained neurological deficits post-SCI.
Main Results:
- Subtle changes in the cervical spinal cord were identified via MRI.
- These findings confirmed myelomalacia in the absence of overt cystic lesions.
Conclusions:
- MRI can detect subtle myelomalacia after spinal cord injury, even when initial radiologic exams are normal.
- This highlights the importance of advanced imaging for diagnosing spinal cord conditions.