Spinal cord infarction: MR imaging and clinical features in 16 cases.

摘要: Spinal cord infarctions are rare and due to heterogeneous etiologies. The aim of the study was analyze MR imaging findings evaluate their correlations with clinical symptoms in ischemic spinal lesions. images features 16 patients (11 male, 5 female) typical sudden onset neurological deficits caused by ischemia were evaluated. performed within 2 h 14 days after initial symptoms. Eight had follow-up examinations including contrast-enhanced imaging. abnormalities best demonstrated on sagittal T2-weighted images, "pencil-like" hyperintensities (16/16) enlargement (9/16). Axial showed bilateral (13/16) unilateral (3/16) according, 15 patients, anterior artery (ASA) territory, three them located particularly sulcal territory. In one patient only posterior (PSA) territory involved. affected at cervical level (especially C2–C3) seven upper thoracic (T3–T5) two thoracolumbar region conus medullaris (T10–L1) patients. Presumed etiologies vascular surgery (3 patients), infrarenal aortic aneurysm (1 patient), vertebral dissection hypotension spine operation excessive cocaine misuse patient) cardioembolic occlusion patient); six unclear risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes cigarette smoking. is therefore useful detecting infarction, axial showing ASA Contrary presumed watershed lower level, despite numerous central arteries cord, our data suggest a high vulnerability C2–C3.