[Clinico-morphological correlations based on MRI in syringomyelia. Study of 22 cases]

Twenty-two patients with syringomyelia were investigated clinically and by MR imaging using clearly defined clinical and radiologic protocols. Intramedullary cavities were identified by MR images in 20 cases and by CT scanning after intrathecal injection of Metrizamide in two cases. In all but one case, when the clinical picture was purely motor, concordance was established between clinical findings and morphologic type of intramedullary cavity. Syringomyelic syndromes should now be defined not only on the basis of clinical data but on clinicoradiologic features. The examination of choice is MR imaging, because of its reliability and safety and because it allows tridimensional analysis of cavities and associated malformations. Results of MR imaging exploration suggest a possible improved physiopathologic approach to the disease and more effective therapeutic procedures.