Magnetic resonance demonstration of multiple sclerosis plaques in the cervical cord

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrates superior sensitivity over computed tomography (CT) for detecting multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques in the brain.
• MRI can visualize MS lesions in the brainstem and cerebellum, areas not typically visualized by CT.
• Previous research has focused on brain and brainstem lesions, with limited investigation into spinal cord involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the first reported use of MRI for detecting multiple sclerosis plaques within the cervical spinal cord.
• To evaluate the sensitivity of MRI in identifying MS plaques in the cervical spinal cord.
• To assess the impact of different MRI coils on lesion detection in the cervical spinal cord.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one patients with clinically diagnosed multiple sclerosis and brain plaques were included.
• Cervical spinal cord imaging was performed using a 30-cm head radiofrequency coil.
• Imaging was also attempted with a larger-diameter body coil for comparison.
• Signal-to-noise ratio was considered in relation to coil selection.

Main Results:

• Multiple sclerosis plaques were identified in the cervical spinal cord of 10 out of 21 patients.
• Lesions in the cervical spinal cord were detected exclusively in the upper region using the 30-cm head coil.
• No spinal cord lesions were identified using the larger body coil due to a lower signal-to-noise ratio.
• The 30-cm head coil provided better visualization of upper cervical spinal cord plaques.

Conclusions:

• MRI is capable of detecting multiple sclerosis plaques in the cervical spinal cord.
• The use of a 30-cm head radiofrequency coil enhances visualization of upper cervical spinal cord lesions.
• Improved surface coils may be necessary for detecting lesions in the lower cervical and thoracic spinal cord.