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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
MR imaging of tubercular spinal arachnoiditis
A Sharma1, M Goyal, N K Mishra
1Department of Neuroradiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging reveals diverse abnormalities in spinal arachnoiditis caused by tuberculosis. This imaging modality is crucial for diagnosing spinal tuberculosis and its complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Spinal arachnoiditis is a serious complication of tuberculosis.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the range of abnormalities identified by MR imaging in patients diagnosed with tubercular spinal arachnoiditis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis was conducted on the MR imaging findings of 22 patients with confirmed tubercular spinal arachnoiditis.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and evidence of associated tuberculosis.
Main Results:
- MR imaging demonstrated multi-segmental spinal involvement in 86% of patients, predominantly in the dorsal region.
- Abnormalities included increased T1 and T2 signal intensity in the CSF and spinal cord, cord cavitation, CSF loculations, subarachnoid nodules, and cauda equina nerve root clumping.
- Contrast-enhanced MR imaging revealed meningeal and nerve root enhancement in a significant proportion of patients, with some showing cord enhancement.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging effectively visualizes the pathological changes associated with tubercular spinal arachnoiditis.
- The findings suggest MR imaging plays a vital role in diagnosing this condition.
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