The radiology of pulmonary complications associated with acute spinal cord injury

Pulmonary complications after acute cervical spinal cord injury are common. Paralysis of the intercostal muscles leads to decreased respiratory function. In addition, injuries of the thoracic cage, pleura and lungs are commonly associated with spinal injuries. A survey of radiologically demonstrable pulmonary complications in 50 patients with acute tetraplegia has been made. Changes were present in 28% of the patients surveyed. The changes in pulmonary and haemodynamic function consequent upon cervical spinal cord injury are briefly described. Radiological manifestations of pulmonary complications due to decreased pulmonary function, direct pulmonary trauma and rare pulmonary complications of skeletal injury are reviewed. The value of routine and intensive radiographic monitoring of the chest in the patient with acute tetraplegia is emphasized, as clinical diagnosis is hampered in the absence of motor and sensory function.