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Spinal cord infection: myelitis and abscess formation
K J Murphy1, J A Brunberg, D J Quint
1Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|March 21, 1998
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals characteristic findings for spinal cord abscesses, aiding in differentiating infection from other intramedullary lesions. Follow-up MRI shows evolving features that resolve with treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Spinal cord abscesses are rare but serious infections.
- Differentiating intramedullary spinal cord abscesses from other lesions can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the magnetic resonance (MR) findings and evolution of spinal cord abscess.
- To identify MR features that distinguish cord infection from other intramedullary abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR studies for patients with proven intramedullary spinal cord abscess (January 1988 - January 1996).
- Study group included six patients (four adults, two children) aged 7 to 74 years.
Main Results:
- Initial MR: intramedullary high T2 signal, poorly defined T1 enhancement.
- Follow-up MR: well-defined T1 ring enhancement with central low signal intensity.
- Post-treatment MR: decreased T2 abnormalities, resolving T1 findings, and ring enhancement.
Conclusions:
- A specific sequence of MR imaging findings helps differentiate spinal cord abscess from other intramedullary lesions.
- MR imaging is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring spinal cord infections.