Another application of two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography: spinal cord imaging. A preliminary report

This prospective study was performed in 17 consecutive patients continuously monitored intraoperatively and postoperatively for cardiac function with two-dimensional (2D) TEE. Prior to systematic evaluation of spinal cord imaging by 2D TEE, the aims of this study were to determine: (1) the feasibility of such imaging, and (2) the relationship between spinal cord images and fixed structures (like vertebral bodies); 7.5 +/- 2.3 spinal segments were identified in the patients. There is a close relationship between the distance of the probe from the teeth and the intervertebral disc. Successful imaging of the spinal cord was achieved in all 17 patients with visualization of discs, spinous processes, spinal canal, and a pulsating spinal cord. Further studies are needed to better define the potential applications of this new technique: detection of spinal cord trauma, visualization of a thoracic epidural catheter, and successful preservation of spinal cord vascularization during thoracic aortic surgery.