Imaging Approach to the Cord T2 Hyperintensity (Myelopathy)

Progressive Encephalomyelopathy in an Older Man: A Case Report From the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Case Conference Proceedings

We present a case of subacute onset progressive encephalomyelopathy in a 77-year-old man with symmetric lateral column signal abnormalities on spinal MRI. We discuss the differential and presumptive final diagnosis along with a review of the postulated disease immunopathogenesis.

Radiological approach to non-compressive myelopathies

Background

Myelopathy, a pathological condition related to the spinal cord can broadly be categorized into compressive and non-compressive aetiologies. Magnetic resonance imaging remains the modality of choice when suspecting non-compressive myelopathy as it helps to localize the affected segment and exclude compression as the cause of myelopathy. This review deals with the imaging approach for non-compressive myelopathies.

Main body

Demyelinating disorders are the most common cause of non-compressive myelopathy and often show confounding features. Other causes include inflammatory, ischemic, metabolic, and neoplastic disorders. Non-compressive myelopathy can broadly be classified into acute and non-acute onset which can further be categorized according to the distribution of the signal abnormalities, including length of cord involvement, specific tract involvement, enhancement pattern, and the region of the spinal cord that is affected.

Conclusions

Imaging plays a critical role in the evaluation of clinically suspected cases of myelopathy and MR imaging (with or without contrast) remains the preferred modality. Compressive causes must be excluded as a cause of myelopathy. Despite a multitude of causes, the most common imaging appearance is a nonspecific T2 hyperintense signal in the spinal cord, and thus, a pragmatic diagnostic approach along with appropriate clinical and biochemical correlation is essential for arriving at an accurate diagnosis.

Neuroimaging features in inflammatory myelopathies: A review

Spinal cord involvement can be observed in the course of immune-mediated disorders. Although multiple sclerosis (MS) represents the leading cause of inflammatory myelopathy, an increasing number of alternative etiologies must be now considered in the diagnostic work-up of patients presenting with myelitis. These include antibody-mediated disorders and cytotoxic T cell-mediated diseases targeting central nervous system (CNS) antigens, and systemic autoimmune conditions with secondary CNS involvement. Even though clinical features are helpful to orient the diagnostic suspicion (e.g., timing and severity of myelopathy symptoms), the differential diagnosis of inflammatory myelopathies is often challenging due to overlapping features. Moreover, noninflammatory etiologies can sometimes mimic an inflammatory process. In this setting, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming a fundamental tool for the characterization of spinal cord damage, revealing a pictorial scenario which is wider than the clinical manifestations. The characterization of spinal cord lesions in terms of longitudinal extension, location on axial plane, involvement of the white matter and/or gray matter, and specific patterns of contrast enhancement, often allows a proper differentiation of these diseases. For instance, besides classical features, such as the presence of longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions in patients with aquaporin-4-IgG positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4+NMOSD), novel radiological signs (e.g., H sign, trident sign) have been recently proposed and successfully applied for the differential diagnosis of inflammatory myelopathies. In this review article, we will discuss the radiological features of spinal cord involvement in autoimmune disorders such as MS, AQP4+NMOSD, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), and other recently characterized immune-mediated diseases. The identification of imaging pitfalls and mimics that can lead to misdiagnosis will also be examined. Since spinal cord damage is a major cause of irreversible clinical disability, the recognition of these radiological aspects will help clinicians achieve a correct and prompt diagnosis, treat early with disease-specific treatment and improve patient outcomes.

Presenting features of neuroblastoma with spinal canal invasion. A prospective study of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology Europe - Neuroblastoma (SIOPEN)

INTRODUCTION

Between 5 and 15% of children with neuroblastoma (NB) present with or develop spinal canal invasion (SCI). The majority of these children have symptoms of epidural compression of spinal cord and/or spinal nerves. Treatment of NB-SCI is considered an emergency but its modalities are not yet well-established. Independently of treatment, NB-SCI may result in significant long-term disabilities. We report on the first prospective study of NB-SCI focused on presenting characteristics of both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and correlation between SCI-related symptoms and imaging features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This SIOPEN prospective NB-SCI study opened in June 2014. Patient data including SCI symptoms evaluated by standardized measures and spinal cord imaging studies were collected for each patient. For the purpose of this study data entry was locked on July 2021.

RESULTS

Of the 208 NB-SCI patients registered, 196 were evaluable for this analysis of whom 67% were symptomatic and 33% asymptomatic. Median age was 11 months. The thorax was the commonest primary tumor site. The median intervals between initial symptoms and diagnosis and between first medical visit and diagnosis were 14 and 3 days, respectively. The was no statistical difference in frequency of presenting characteristics between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Presenting features of NB-SCI patients differed from other NBs for older median age, prevalence of thoracic vs. abdominal primary site, prevalence of localized vs. metastatic disease and lower incidence of MYCN gene amplification. The most common SCI features were motor deficit in the younger and pain in the older patients that correlated on imaging with both transverse and longitudinal extent but not with the level of intraspinal tumor. Spinal cord T2-hyperintensity was more frequently detected in symptomatic patients (not significant).

CONCLUSION

This prospective study confirms that children with NB-SCI differ from NBs without SCI. Compared to previous studies, it provides more detailed information regarding presenting symptoms, time intervals between SCI symptoms, medical visit and diagnosis, and correlations between symptoms and imaging features.

Diagnostic Approach to Intrinsic Abnormality of Spinal Cord Signal Intensity

Intramedullary cord hyperintensity at T2-weighted MRI is a common imaging feature of disease in the spinal cord, but it is nonspecific. Radiologists play a valuable role in helping narrow the differential diagnosis by integrating patient history and laboratory test results with key imaging characteristics. The authors present an algorithmic approach to evaluating intrinsic abnormality of spinal cord signal intensity (SI), which incorporates clinical evaluation results, time of onset (acute vs nonacute), cord expansion, and pattern of T2 SI abnormality. This diagnostic approach provides a practical framework to aid both trainees and practicing radiologists in workup of myelopathy.^©RSNA, 2019.

Imaging of noninfectious inflammatory disorders of the spinal cord

Myelitis, or inflammation of the spinal cord, produces a characteristic clinical syndrome. Among the many causes of myelitis are the prototypical demyelinating diseases multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, each of which has distinct clinical, pathologic, and radiographic features. Less distinct are the myelitides associated with systemic autoimmune conditions like sarcoidosis and lupus. Nondemyelinating conditions such as arachnoiditis, dural arteriovenous fistula, and tumor infiltration may also produce inflammation of the spinal cord. The objective of this review is to aid the clinician in the radiographic diagnosis of noninfectious inflammatory diseases of the spinal cord.

Acquired pathology of the pediatric spine and spinal cord

Pediatric spine pathology poses a diagnostic challenge for radiologists. Acquired spine pathology often yields nonspecific signs and symptoms in children, especially in the younger age groups, and diagnostic delay can carry significant morbidity. This review is focused on some of the more common diagnostic dilemmas we face when attempting to evaluate and diagnose acquired pediatric spine anomalies in daily practice. An understanding of some of the key differentiating features of these disease processes in conjunction with pertinent history, physical exam, and advanced imaging techniques can indicate the correct diagnosis.