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MRI in acute transverse myelopathy
S Holtås1, N Basibüyük, K Fredriksson
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Neuroradiology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
MRI reveals that spinal cord swelling and persistent signal changes in acute transverse myelopathy correlate with poor patient outcomes. Early MRI findings can predict limited recovery in these neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acute transverse myelopathy (ATM) is a rare neurological disorder affecting the spinal cord.
- Understanding the prognostic indicators for ATM is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- MRI scans of seven ATM patients were analyzed using spin-echo sequences.
- Patients were examined multiple times throughout their disease course.
- A history of autoimmune disorders or infections was noted in all cases.
Findings:
- Four patients exhibited spinal cord enlargement during the acute phase.
- All patients showed increased signal intensity on long TR/TE MRI sequences.
- A correlation was observed between cord enlargement, persistent high signal intensity, and limited recovery.
Implications:
- Late-stage MRI revealed atrophy and persistent high signal intensity in patients with poor outcomes.
- These findings suggest MRI can predict recovery potential in ATM.
- One case indicated potential cord cavitation secondary to spinal artery occlusion.