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Imaging findings in spinal neuroarthropathy
Y H Park1, J A Taylor, S M Szollar
1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego Medical Center.
Spine
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Spinal neuroarthropathy, a destructive spine condition, presents unique MRI findings. Characteristic hypointensity on T1 and T2 weighted images helps differentiate it from infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Spinal Cord Injury
Background:
- Spinal neuroarthropathy is a destructive process affecting the disc space, vertebral bodies, and facet joints.
- It can be induced by conditions like traumatic paralysis, tabes dorsalis, syringomyelia, and diabetes mellitus.
Observation:
- This study reviewed five cases of neuropathic spine in patients with quadriplegia and paraplegia.
- Radiographs and CT scans showed findings similar to infection, degenerative disease, or metastasis.
Findings:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed characteristic hypointensity on T1- and T2-weighted images.
- This MRI signature aids in differentiating neuropathic spine from spinal infections.
Implications:
- Neuropathic spine involves vertebral fractures, sclerosis, osteophytes, disc space loss, and paraspinal masses.
- End-stage disease can lead to pseudarthrosis, observed in three of the five reviewed cases.