Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of syringomyelia

Five patients with syringomyelia were examined with a 3.5 kG nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imager. Syrinx cavities were visualized in all five cases, and image quality compared favorably with metrizamide computed tomography (CT). Axial images were optimal for identifying syrinx cavities, and sagittal views were useful in providing an overview of cord morphology and in examining the craniocervical junction. Inversion-recovery images were less valuable than the spin-echo sequences. By varying spin-echo imaging parameters, tissue relaxation times could be determined and the fluid nature of the syrinx cavities confirmed. This limited study suggests that NMR may challenge the current role of CT in the diagnostic workup of syringomyelia.