- MR Imaging Features of Critical Spinal Demyelinating Lesions Associated with Progressive Motor Impairment
This retrospective, observational MRI study compared spinal cord critical demyelinating lesions anatomically associated with progressive motor impairment with any additional “noncritical” spinal cord demyelinating lesions. MRI characteristics that favored critical spinal cord demyelinating lesions included moderate-to-severe, focal, lesion-associated spinal cord atrophy; lateral column axial location; central region; ventral column; and larger lesion size. In particular, the presence of focal, lesion-associated atrophy, lateral column axial location, and larger lesion size may be associated with the development of progressive motor impairment in MS.
- Frequency of Coexistent Spinal Segment Variants: Retrospective Analysis in Asymptomatic Young Adults
Spinal segment variants are highly prevalent and can potentially lead to incorrect spinal enumeration. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of spinal segment variants and to study the potential association among these variants in an asymptomatic population. The results showed that the spinal segment variants are highly prevalent, ranging from 4.2% (cervical rib) to 26.4% (LSTV), and that these variants are associated with each other. The authors recommend further imaging for spine enumeration before interventions or operations when a spinal segment variant is identified.
- Temporal Characteristics of CSF-Venous Fistulas on Dynamic Decubitus CT Myelography: A Retrospective Multi-Institution Cohort Study
This retrospective multi-institution cohort study analyzed the temporal features of CSF-venous fistula (CVF) visualization on dynamic decubitus CT myelography (dCTM) in 48 patients. The results showed that most CVFs were visible on first or subsequent phases of dCTM, but approximately 1 in 8 were only visible on either the early or delayed phase. The authors conclude that acquiring greater than 1 phase of imaging increases the sensitivity of dCTM by increasing its temporal resolution.