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Syringomyelia and hydromyelia: magnetic resonance evaluation
Radiology
|December 1, 1984
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively detects syringomyelia and hydromyelia. However, atypical presentations and conditions like myelomalacia can mimic typical findings, requiring careful interpretation of MR images.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Syringomyelia and hydromyelia are conditions involving fluid-filled cysts within the spinal cord.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a primary diagnostic tool for these spinal cord conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the MR imaging characteristics of syringomyelia, hydromyelia, and myelomalacia.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different MR sequences in visualizing intramedullary cysts.
Main Methods:
- Review of MR imaging findings in 13 cases of syringomyelia/hydromyelia and 1 case of myelomalacia.
- Analysis of sagittal partial saturation recovery (PSR) and spin echo (SE) sequences.
Main Results:
- Intramedullary cysts were mostly visible on sagittal PSR images.
- One viscous cyst was better visualized on sagittal SE images.
- Myelomalacia appeared similar to syrinx on axial PSR and SE images.
- Not all syringomyelia/hydromyelia cases showed typical MR appearances.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is valuable for diagnosing syringomyelia and hydromyelia.
- Atypical MR appearances can occur, necessitating careful evaluation.
- Spinal cord degeneration and tumors may present similarly to syringomyelia on MR.