Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in syringomyelia

Abstract

SummaryBased on an own material of 19 patients with syringomyelia and on the related literature a survey is given on the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, postoperative evaluation and the dynamics of CSF and cyst fluids, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).The following conclusions can be drawn: l. MRI is the preferred method of investigation for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of syringomyelia.2. Using MRI, it is possible to study fluid flow in the vertebral canal and the movements of the syrinx fluid. The data are as yet limited, but in the future will form an important contribution to our understanding of the pathogenesis of syringomyelia and to the choice of a treatment method.3. MRI is important for the postoperative follow-up of patients with syringomyelia, including tracking the cyst and detecting complications.

Neurological signs and results of magnetic resonance imaging in 40 cavalier King Charles spaniels with Chiari type 1‐like malformations

“…The MRI findings in this study were very similar to those described in people with Chiari type 1 malformations (Tanghe 1995, Cai and Oakes 1997, Milhorat and others 1999, Meadows and other 2000. It is uncertain whether there are significant microscopic differences between the brains of people and cavalier King Charles spaniels with the condition.…”

Surgical management of syringomyelia unrelated to Chiari malformation or spinal cord injury

“…Sagittal and axial T2-weighted MR images can now be correlated with cardiac-gated 2D phase contrast, which is the method of choice to detect CSF flow abnormalities. Specifically, subtle arachnoid scarring may be indirect evidence for cord deformity or focal blurring of the syrinx wall, as well as direct evidence for an arachnoid web or cyst, obtained using 1.5T MR or 3T MR or 3D constructive interference in steady state (CISS) sequences, in order of power of resolution and sensibility [34][35][36][37]. CSF flow void signs over the cardiac cycle (cine MR) give a dynamic picture showing a short period of cranial flow (diastolic phase) followed by a sustained period of caudal flow (systolic phase), which can be altered by CSF obstruction, being of particular significance at the craniovertebral junction [38,39].…”

A pain in the neck

“…In syringomyelia, the intramedullary cyst (syrinx) is seen as a tubular cavity, hypointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI. 4 This patient underwent surgical excision of the ependymoma, after which he received targeted injections of botulinum toxin to treat disabling spasticity. 5 …”