Imaging for Spine Tumors and New Applications

Abstract

Magnetic resonance plays an integral role in evaluation of spinal tumors with increasing role in staging and treatment.

Cervical Ependymoma:Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…MRI with intravenous contrast administration allows preoperative planning and discrete tumour plane localization. MRI also provides detailed information regarding the tumour involvement relative to the spinal neural anatomy (ie, nerve roots, thecal sac and spinal cord) (Bloomer et al, 2006). Spinal cord ependymoma may present on MRI as iso-or hypointense signal on T1W images that become hyperintense on T2W images.…”

“…Because of patient's history of right arm pain, MRI was obtained. As it provides excellent contrast sensitivity and multiplanar capabilities without the use of ionizing radiation, MRI is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating tumours of the spine (Fine et al, 1995;Bloomer et al, 2006). MRI with intravenous contrast administration allows preoperative planning and discrete tumour plane localization.…”

“…Although recurrence is unusual, radiotherapy is indicated in those with subtotal resections or with recurrent tumours. Late recurrence has been known to occur up to 12 years after surgery; thus, long-term clinical and imaging surveillance is warranted (Bloomer et al, 2006).…”

Imaging diagnosis and the role of endovascular embolization treatment for vascular intraspinal tumors

“…3,5,12,13,19,20,50,57,97 The signal intensity is variable on T1-weighted images, with the majority of these lesions being iso-to hypointense and difficult to differentiate from the normal spinal cord. 5,102 Small tumors (less than 10 mm in maximum dimension) are often isointense on T1-weighted images and demonstrate homogeneous contrast enhancement.…”

“…6 The edema may extend far beyond the solid tumor and may in part be due to venous congestion or arteriovenous shunting. 13 An extensive syrinx (a cystic cavity within the spinal cord)-and/ or syringohydromyelia (intramedullary fluid that dissects into the surrounding white matter forming a cystic cavity or syrinx)-is another typical associated finding. The syringohydromyelia is always found to have a relatively large size as compared with the size of the intramedullary tumor.…”