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Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligaments: evaluation with MRI
T Hirai1, Y Korogi, Y Yamashita
1Department of Radiology, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Honjo, Japan. toshinor@kaiju.medic.kumamoto-u.ac.jp
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|April 30, 1998
Summary
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) causes spinal cord compression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly T2-weighted sequences, effectively visualizes OPLL and spinal cord damage noninvasively.
Area of Science:
- Degenerative diseases of the spine
- Spinal cord imaging
- Ligament ossification
Background:
- Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a degenerative condition.
- OPLL can lead to significant spinal cord compression.
- Accurate imaging is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MRI in assessing spinal cord compression caused by OPLL.
- To compare MRI findings with other imaging modalities.
Main Methods:
- Review of MR images, focusing on T2-weighted sequences.
- Comparison of MRI findings with CT and plain radiographs for OPLL demonstration.
- Assessment of spinal cord compression and signal intensity changes on MRI.
Main Results:
- T2-weighted MRI sequences are highly effective for evaluating spinal cord compression in OPLL.
- MRI provides detailed, noninvasive information on the extent and character of OPLL.
- MRI visualizes abnormal signal intensity within the spinal cord due to compression.
Conclusions:
- MRI is a valuable tool for diagnosing and assessing OPLL-related spinal cord compression.
- T2-weighted MRI sequences offer superior visualization of spinal cord involvement compared to CT or radiographs alone.