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Spinal cord atrophy associated with arachnoiditis as demonstrated by computed tomography
Neuroradiology
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Spinal arachnoiditis can cause severe spinal cord atrophy and deformity. Computed tomography reveals cord shape changes due to arachnoid adhesions and subarachnoid space pouches.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Spinal Imaging
Background:
- Spinal arachnoiditis is an inflammatory condition affecting the arachnoid mater.
- Metrizamide myelography is a diagnostic imaging technique used to visualize the spinal canal.
Observation:
- Two cases of spinal arachnoiditis were evaluated using metrizamide myelography and computed tomography (CT).
- Concurrent CT provided detailed cross-sectional views of the spinal cord and surrounding structures.
Findings:
- Severe spinal cord atrophy and significant deformity were observed.
- The spinal cord's cross-sectional shape changed dramatically between segmental levels, suggesting traction from arachnoid adhesions.
- Filling defects or apparent cord enlargement were attributed to subarachnoid space pouches with restricted contrast material flow.
Implications:
- CT myelography offers valuable insights into the structural consequences of spinal arachnoiditis.
- Understanding these imaging features is crucial for diagnosing and managing spinal cord compromise.
- The findings highlight the potential for arachnoid adhesions to cause severe, segmental spinal cord distortion.