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Ross LA, Lee J, Carlson AK, Conway DS, Cohen JA, Graves J, Zamvil SS, Newsome SD, Kunchok A. Progressive Encephalomyelopathy in an Older Man: A Case Report From the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Case Conference Proceedings. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2024; 11:e200210. [PMID: 38386951 PMCID: PMC10900913 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000200210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Ross
- From the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research (L.A.R., A.K.C., D.S.C., J.A.C., A.K.) and Diagnostic Radiology (J.L.), Cleveland Clinic, OH; Department of Neurosciences (J.G.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), University of California at San Francisco; and Department of Neurology (S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jonathan Lee
- From the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research (L.A.R., A.K.C., D.S.C., J.A.C., A.K.) and Diagnostic Radiology (J.L.), Cleveland Clinic, OH; Department of Neurosciences (J.G.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), University of California at San Francisco; and Department of Neurology (S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alise K Carlson
- From the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research (L.A.R., A.K.C., D.S.C., J.A.C., A.K.) and Diagnostic Radiology (J.L.), Cleveland Clinic, OH; Department of Neurosciences (J.G.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), University of California at San Francisco; and Department of Neurology (S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Devon S Conway
- From the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research (L.A.R., A.K.C., D.S.C., J.A.C., A.K.) and Diagnostic Radiology (J.L.), Cleveland Clinic, OH; Department of Neurosciences (J.G.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), University of California at San Francisco; and Department of Neurology (S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jeffrey A Cohen
- From the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research (L.A.R., A.K.C., D.S.C., J.A.C., A.K.) and Diagnostic Radiology (J.L.), Cleveland Clinic, OH; Department of Neurosciences (J.G.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), University of California at San Francisco; and Department of Neurology (S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jennifer Graves
- From the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research (L.A.R., A.K.C., D.S.C., J.A.C., A.K.) and Diagnostic Radiology (J.L.), Cleveland Clinic, OH; Department of Neurosciences (J.G.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), University of California at San Francisco; and Department of Neurology (S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Scott S Zamvil
- From the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research (L.A.R., A.K.C., D.S.C., J.A.C., A.K.) and Diagnostic Radiology (J.L.), Cleveland Clinic, OH; Department of Neurosciences (J.G.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), University of California at San Francisco; and Department of Neurology (S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Scott D Newsome
- From the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research (L.A.R., A.K.C., D.S.C., J.A.C., A.K.) and Diagnostic Radiology (J.L.), Cleveland Clinic, OH; Department of Neurosciences (J.G.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), University of California at San Francisco; and Department of Neurology (S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Amy Kunchok
- From the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research (L.A.R., A.K.C., D.S.C., J.A.C., A.K.) and Diagnostic Radiology (J.L.), Cleveland Clinic, OH; Department of Neurosciences (J.G.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), University of California at San Francisco; and Department of Neurology (S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Lee H, Janjua F, Ragab A, Moran J, Haims A, Rubio D, Tuason D, Porrino J. Total spine MRI for the preoperative evaluation of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: part 1. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2024; 53:405-414. [PMID: 38246795 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a commonly encountered condition often diagnosed on screening examination. Underlying, asymptomatic neural axis abnormalities may be present at the time of diagnosis. At certain institutions, total spine MRI is obtained preoperatively to identify these abnormalities. We provide a framework for the radiologist to follow while interpreting these studies. In part 1, we discuss Arnold Chiari malformations, syringomyelia, and the tethered cord. In part 2, we focus on spinal cord tumors, dysraphisms, to include diastematomyelia, and vertebral anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojeong Lee
- Yale Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 330 Cedar Street, New Haven 06520, CT, USA
| | - Fatima Janjua
- Yale Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 330 Cedar Street, New Haven 06520, CT, USA
| | - Ahmed Ragab
- Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport 06610, CT, USA
| | - Jay Moran
- Yale School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, 47 College Place, New Haven 06510, CT, USA
| | - Andrew Haims
- Yale Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 330 Cedar Street, New Haven 06520, CT, USA
| | - Daniel Rubio
- Yale School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, 47 College Place, New Haven 06510, CT, USA
| | - Dominick Tuason
- Yale School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, 47 College Place, New Haven 06510, CT, USA
| | - Jack Porrino
- Yale Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 330 Cedar Street, New Haven 06520, CT, USA.
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3
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Zhang D, Xiao B, Liu B, Cui W, Duan S, Wu B, Wang L, Zhu D, Rong T. Influence of Blood Pressure on Acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Without Fracture and Dislocation: Results From a Retrospective Analysis. World Neurosurg 2024; 184:e530-e536. [PMID: 38316177 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of blood pressure on the severity and functional recovery of patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) without fracture and dislocation. METHODS A retrospective case control study analyzed the data of 40 patients admitted to our orthopedics department (Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University) from January 2013 to February 2021. They were diagnosed as acute cervical SCI without fracture and dislocation. Gender, age, height, weight, history of hypertension, postinjury American Spinal Injury Association grade, postinjury modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score, postoperative mJOA score, 1-year follow-up mJOA score, preoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP), intramedullary T2 hyperintensity, and hyponatremia were collected. The patients were divided into groups and subgroups based on their history of hypertension and preoperative MAP. The effects of history of hypertension and preoperative MAP on the incidence of T2 hyperintensity, hyponatremia, the improvement rate of the postoperative mJOA and 1-year follow-up mJOA scores were analyzed. RESULTS Patients with history of hypertension had a lower incidence of intramedullary T2 hyperintensity than patients without history of hypertension (P < 0.05). Patients with history of hypertension and patients with a higher preoperative MAP had better neurological recovery at 1 year of follow-up (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Blood pressure has great influence on acute cervical SCI without fracture and dislocation. Maintaining a higher preoperative MAP is advantageous for better recovery after SCI. Attention should be paid to the dynamic management of blood pressure to avoid the adverse effects of hypotension after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bowei Xiao
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoge Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingxuan Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianhua Rong
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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4
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Grayev A. Functional Anatomy of the Spinal Cord. Radiol Clin North Am 2024; 62:263-272. [PMID: 38272619 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Localization of lesions in the spinal cord requires knowledge of the functional anatomy of gray and white matter tracts. Using decussation points for white matter tracts can help determine lesion level. Pathologies can affect gray and white matter tracts in distinct ways and pattern recognition can help narrow down the differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Grayev
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, E1/318, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792-3252, USA.
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5
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Fournel J, Hermier M, Martin A, Gamondès D, Tommasino E, Broussolle T, Morgado A, Baassiri W, Cotton F, Berthezène Y, Bani-Sadr A. It Looks Like a Spinal Cord Tumor but It Is Not. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1004. [PMID: 38473365 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic spinal cord pathologies may be challenging due to overlapping clinical and radiological features. Spinal cord tumors, which comprise only 2-4% of central nervous system tumors, are rarer than non-tumoral myelopathies of inflammatory, vascular, or infectious origins. The risk of neurological deterioration and the high rate of false negatives or misdiagnoses associated with spinal cord biopsies require a cautious approach. Facing a spinal cord lesion, prioritizing more common non-surgical myelopathies in differential diagnoses is essential. A comprehensive radiological diagnostic approach is mandatory to identify spinal cord tumor mimics. The diagnostic process involves a multi-step approach: detecting lesions primarily using MRI techniques, precise localization of lesions, assessing lesion signal intensity characteristics, and searching for potentially associated anomalies at spinal cord and cerebral MRI. This review aims to delineate the radiological diagnostic approach for spinal cord lesions that may mimic tumors and briefly highlight the primary pathologies behind these lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Fournel
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Marc Hermier
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Anna Martin
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Delphine Gamondès
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Emanuele Tommasino
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Théo Broussolle
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Neurosurgery, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Alexis Morgado
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Neurosurgery, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Wassim Baassiri
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Neurosurgery, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Francois Cotton
- CREATIS Laboratory, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1294, Claude Bernard Lyon I University, 7 Avenue Jean Capelle, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Department of Radiology, South Lyon Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Yves Berthezène
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
- CREATIS Laboratory, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1294, Claude Bernard Lyon I University, 7 Avenue Jean Capelle, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Alexandre Bani-Sadr
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
- CREATIS Laboratory, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1294, Claude Bernard Lyon I University, 7 Avenue Jean Capelle, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
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Muhammad F, Smith ZA. A Diagnostic Biomarker for Cervical Myelopathy Based on Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2023; 48:E420-E421. [PMID: 37294831 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000004744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fauziyya Muhammad
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
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7
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Sankhe SS. Oxymorons in medical imaging flip-flops, longitudinally-transverse. J Postgrad Med 2023; 69:196-197. [PMID: 37530376 PMCID: PMC10846813 DOI: 10.4103/jpgm.jpgm_82_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- SS Sankhe
- Department of Radiology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
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8
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Swarup MS, Chandola S, Batra R, Prakash A, Garg A. Radiological approach to non-compressive myelopathies. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43055-022-00736-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
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.
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Cacciaguerra L, Sechi E, Rocca MA, Filippi M, Pittock SJ, Flanagan EP. Neuroimaging features in inflammatory myelopathies: A review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:993645. [PMID: 36330423 PMCID: PMC9623025 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.993645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cacciaguerra
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elia Sechi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria A. Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sean J. Pittock
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Eoin P. Flanagan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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Abstract
This article is devoted to the MR imaging evaluation of spine emergencies, defined as spinal pathologic conditions that pose an immediate risk of significant morbidity or mortality to the patient if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. MR imaging plays a central role in the timely diagnosis of spine emergencies. A summary of MR imaging indications and MR imaging protocols tailored for a variety of spinal emergencies will be presented followed by a review of key imaging findings for the most-encountered emergent spine pathologic conditions. Pathologic conditions will be broadly grouped into traumatic and atraumatic pathologic conditions. For traumatic injuries, a practical and algorithmic diagnostic approach based on the AO Spine injury classification system will be presented focused on subaxial spine trauma. Atraumatic spinal emergencies will be dichotomized into compressive and noncompressive subtypes. The location of external compressive disease with respect to the thecal sac is fundamental to establishing a differential diagnosis for compressive emergencies, whereas specific patterns of spinal cord involvement on MR imaging will guide the discussion of inflammatory and noninflammatory causes of noncompressive myelopathy.
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11
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Russo C, Muto G, Giordano F, Masala S, Muto M. Imaging of Common Spinal Cord Diseases. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2022; 26:510-520. [PMID: 36103892 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord evaluation is an integral part of spine assessment, and its reliable imaging work-up is mandatory because even localized lesions may produce serious effects with potentially irreversible sequelae. Spinal cord alterations are found both incidentally during spine evaluation in otherwise neurologically asymptomatic patients or during neurologic/neuroradiologic assessment in myelopathic patients. Myelopathy (an umbrella term for any neurologic deficit that refers to spinal cord impairment) can be caused by intrinsic lesions or extrinsic mechanical compression, and its etiology may be both traumatic and/or nontraumatic. The symptoms largely depend on the size/extension of lesions, ranging from incontinence to ataxia, from spasticity to hyperreflexia, from numbness to weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging is the reference imaging modality in spinal cord evaluation, ensuring the best signal and spatial resolution. We provide an overview of the most common spinal cord disorders encountered by radiologists and describe the technical measures that offer optimal spinal cord visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Russo
- Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology Unit, Dipartimento delle Tecnologie Avanzate Diagnostico-Terapeutiche e dei Servizi sanitari, A.O.R.N. Cardarelli, Naples, Italy.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (DIETI), Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Muto
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Flavio Giordano
- Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology Unit, Dipartimento delle Tecnologie Avanzate Diagnostico-Terapeutiche e dei Servizi sanitari, A.O.R.N. Cardarelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Masala
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Molecular Imaging, Interventional Radiology and Radiation Therapy, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Muto
- Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology Unit, Dipartimento delle Tecnologie Avanzate Diagnostico-Terapeutiche e dei Servizi sanitari, A.O.R.N. Cardarelli, Naples, Italy
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12
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Saleh I, Librianto D, Kamal AF, Ipang F, Widodo W, Aprilya D. Particular precautions and the role of intraoperative neuromonitoring in cervical cord injury in elder recreational cyclist: A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2022; 96:107285. [PMID: 35704987 PMCID: PMC9198316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE The trend in cycling nowadays affects all age groups. However, special precautions must be considered in the elderly group. Minor trauma to the cervical region can cause severe neurological deterioration, leading to fatality because of the pre-existing degenerative process. CASE PRESENTATION We present a case of a 61-year-old male recreational cyclist with acute onset of tetraplegia following a minor fall. The radiological result revealed a long-standing degenerative process. Unfortunately, the patient deceased due to the sequelae of the paralysis and cardiac event despite our prompt surgical decompression and the improvement shown on intraoperative neuromonitoring. CLINICAL DISCUSSION The degenerative process can aggravate cervical cord injury even in its mildest form of injury. In this study, immediate improvement was detected by the intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) - although the clinical improvement had not improved yet as the general condition is poor. CONCLUSION The elder cycling population is increasing. Safety measures and injury avoidance are advisable along with expert consultation before the exercise. In a pre-existing degenerative condition of the cervical, a special precaution is also needed during the exercise. If the surgery has been indicated, the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring is found to be useful to guide the decompression and potentially beneficial as a predictive value for the clinal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifran Saleh
- Orthopedic and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Didik Librianto
- Orthopedic and Traumatology, Fatmawati General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Achmad Fauzi Kamal
- Orthopedic and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Fachrisal Ipang
- Orthopedic and Traumatology, Fatmawati General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Wahyu Widodo
- Orthopedic and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Dina Aprilya
- Orthopedic and Traumatology, Siloam Agora Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia,Corresponding author.
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13
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Pai V, Trivedi CR, Pai B, Swaminathan SK. T1 hyperintensity in the spinal cord: A diagnostic marker of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? J Clin Imaging Sci 2022; 12:20. [PMID: 35510239 PMCID: PMC9062945 DOI: 10.25259/jcis_24_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, devastating motor neuron disease characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons causing muscular weakness, paralysis, and eventual death. MRI plays a supportive role in the diagnosis; its primary role is to exclude other clinical mimics. Some of the imaging features associated with ALS include hypointense signal along the motor cortices on susceptibility or T2*-weighted imaging and hyperintensity along the corticospinal tracts (CST) within the cerebral hemispheres, brainstem, and spinal cord on the T2 weighted imaging. In this report, we discuss the value of T1 hyperintensity along the CST, especially in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Pai
- Division of Neuroradiology, Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chintan R Trivedi
- Department of Radiology, Apollo Hospitals-Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Bhujang Pai
- Department of Radiology, SevenHills Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Autoimmune Demyelinating Diseases as a Diagnostic Challenge for Radiologists: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12040488. [PMID: 35454978 PMCID: PMC9027326 DOI: 10.3390/life12040488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The magnetic resonance characteristics of autoimmune demyelinating diseases are complex and represent a challenge for the radiologist. In this study we presented two different cases of detected autoimmune demyelinating diseases: one case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and one case of neuromyelitis optica, respectively. Expected and unexpected findings of magnetic resonance imaging examination for autoimmune demyelinating diseases were reported in order to provide a valuable approach for diagnosis. In particular, we highlight, review and discuss the presence of several uncommon imaging findings which could lead to a misinterpretation. The integration of magnetic resonance imaging findings with clinical and laboratory data is necessary to provide a valuable diagnosis.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews the neuroimaging of disorders of the spinal cord and cauda equina, with a focus on MRI. An anatomic approach is used; diseases of the extradural, intradural-extramedullary, and intramedullary (parenchymal) compartments are considered, and both neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions are covered. Differentiating imaging features are highlighted. RECENT FINDINGS Although T2-hyperintense signal abnormality of the spinal cord can have myriad etiologies, neuroimaging can provide specific diagnoses or considerably narrow the differential diagnosis in many cases. Intradural-extramedullary lesions compressing the spinal cord have a limited differential diagnosis and are usually benign; meningiomas and schwannomas are most common. Extradural lesions can often be specifically diagnosed. Disk herniations are the most commonly encountered mass of the epidural space. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy can cause a characteristic pattern of enhancement, which may be mistaken for an intrinsic myelopathy. A do-not-miss diagnosis of the extradural compartment is idiopathic spinal cord herniation, the appearance of which can overlap with arachnoid cysts and webs. Regarding intrinsic causes of myelopathy, the lesions of multiple sclerosis are characteristically short segment but can be confluent when multiple. Postcontrast MRI can be particularly helpful, including when attempting to differentiate the long-segment myelopathy of neurosarcoidosis and aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and when characterizing spinal cord tumors such as primary neoplasms and metastases. Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula is another do-not-miss diagnosis, with characteristic MRI features both precontrast and postcontrast. Tract-specific white matter involvement can be a clue for diseases such as subacute combined degeneration, paraneoplastic myelopathy, and radiation myelitis, whereas gray matter-specific involvement can suggest conditions such as cord infarct, viral myelitis, or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-IgG associated disorder. SUMMARY Knowledge of the neuroimaging findings of the many causes of spinal cord and cauda equina dysfunction is critical for both neurologists and neuroradiologists. A structured approach to lesion compartmental location and imaging feature characterization is recommended.
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