Magnetic resonance imaging of acute intramedullary myelopathy: radiological differential diagnosis for the on-call radiologist

Sheerin, Fintan; Collison, Kathryn; Quaghebeur, Gerardine

doi:10.1016/j.crad.2008.07.004

Cited by 34 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…As ATM is a diagnosis of heterogenic etiology, results of the some studies provide information on a mixed population, including both idiopathic and disease-associated myelitis. Involvement of longer segments extending over 3 to 4 segments is a common finding of ATM in adults (reported between 53-71 %) after excluding the ATM secondary to identifiable causes [10-12]. Other important features described in adult patients include cord expansion, no enhancement, or diffuse and inhomogeneous, peripheral or slightly nodular (small focus) enhancement [10, 13-14].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Idiopathic acute transverse myelitis in children: an analysis and discussion of MRI findings

et al. 2010

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Idiopathic acute transverse myelitis in children: an analysis and discussion of MRI findings

et al. 2010

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“…Contrast-enhanced brain MRI is needed to document intracranial findings at presentation (e.g., demyelinating lesions), exclude stroke, and evaluate for emergencies such as herpes encephalitis. Contrast-enhanced spine MRI should be performed to exclude cord compression by an epidural hematoma, bone or disc, or tumor, in addition to evaluating spinal cord signal changes [9]. Compressive myelopathy is a surgical emergency and is not discussed in this review.…”

Section: Evaluation Algorithm and Imaging Protocolsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Longitudinally extensive myelopathy in children

et al. 2015

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When children present with acute myelopathy manifested by sensory, motor, or bowel and bladder symptoms, MRI of the neuraxis with contrast agent is the most important imaging study to obtain. Although occasionally normal, MRI often demonstrates signal abnormality within the spinal cord. Classically, longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (≥3 vertebral bodies in length) has been described with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), but alternative diagnoses should be considered. This pictorial essay reviews the differential diagnoses that may present with longitudinally extensive spinal cord signal abnormalities. Multiple inflammatory, infectious, vascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative etiologies can present with a myelopathy. Thus, radiologists can assist in the diagnosis by familiarizing themselves with the spectrum of diseases in childhood that result in longitudinally extensive signal abnormalities in the absence of trauma.

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“…34 Clinical manifestations of radiation damage to the spinal cord (eg, acute weakness and sphincter dysfunction) can mimic those of spinal cord compression; a thorough understanding of a patient's malignancy and radiation therapy histories and a high index of suspicion are important for guiding appropriate work-up and treatment. 18 MR imaging findings in acute spinal cord necrosis include an expansile ring-enhancing mass with edema and mass effect, which can be easily mistaken for tumor recurrence. 30 T1 and T2 hyperintense postradiation therapy changes in the marrow of the adjacent vertebral bodies and posterior elements can be a clue to diagnosis (Figs 12 and 13).…”

Section: Radiation-induced Damage and Necrosismentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Susceptibility artifacts with signal-intensity dropout may be visible on gradient echo sequences, with blooming due to the paramagnetic effect of blood products. 18 Diffusion-weighted images should be interpreted with caution, because the blood products may appear hyperintense 19 and mimic acute infarction.…”

Section: Hemorrhagementioning

confidence: 99%