Effect of spinal cord signal intensity changes on clinical outcome after surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 562-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anooj Chatley ◽  
Raj Kumar ◽  
Vijendra K. Jain ◽  
Sanjay Behari ◽  
Rabi Narayan Sahu
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Intensity Change ◽  
Recovery Rates ◽  
Intensity Changes

Object The presence of intramedullary T2 high signal intensity changes in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) indicates the existence of a chronic spinal cord compressive lesion. However, the prognostic significance of signal intensity changes remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of spinal cord T2 signal intensity changes on the outcome after surgery for CSM. Method In a prospective study, 64 patients with CSM who underwent surgical treatment between October 2006 and April 2008 using an anterior approach were included. Based on the clinical symptoms and signs present, the severity of neurological deficits of all patients was scored according to a modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale score for CSM just before the surgery and at 6 months follow-up. Recovery rates were calculated at 6 months. Results There were 22 patients who did not have spinal cord intensity changes on MR imaging and 44 who demonstrated high-intensity signal changes on T2-weighted images (focal or segmental). No statistically significant differences were found in recovery rates between cases with T2 signal intensity changes and those with no signal intensity changes. However, the postoperative modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale scores and the recovery rates were much lower in patients with multisegmental signal intensity changes compared with those without these changes or those with focal signal intensity change, and ANOVA demonstrated this difference to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion Multisegmental spinal cord signal intensity changes on T2-weighted MR imaging are predictors of a poor outcome in terms of functional recovery rate in patients undergoing operations for CSM.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Neurosurgery ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas F. Mehalic ◽  
Roger T. Pezzuti ◽  
Brett I. Applebaum
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Pathological Condition ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
T2 Weighted Images

Abstract Nineteen patients were examined for cervical spondylotic myelopathy with magnetic resonance imaging. Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance scans were obtained in most cases. Surgical confirmation of the pathological condition was obtained for all 19 patients. On the T2-weighted scans, there was increased signal intensity within the spinal cord at the point of maximal compression. The exact cause of the increased signal intensity on the T2-weighted images is not known, but is suspected to represent edema, inflammation, vascular ischemia, myelomalacia, or gliosis. The increased signal intensity diminished postoperatively in the patients who improved clinically, and remained the same or increased in those whose conditions remained unchanged or worsened after decompression. The authors suggest that these T2-weighted images carry prognostic significance.

Prospective cohort study of mild cervical spondylotic myelopathy without surgical treatment

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Sumi ◽  
Hiroshi Miyamoto ◽  
Teppei Suzuki ◽  
Shuichi Kaneyama ◽  
Takako Kanatani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Object Because the main pathology of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is spinal cord damage due to compression, surgical treatment is usually recommended to improve patient symptoms and prevent exacerbation. However, lack of clarity of prognosis in cases that present with insignificant symptoms, particularly those of mild CSM, lead one to question the veracity of this course of action. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prognosis of mild CSM without surgical intervention by evaluation of clinical symptoms and MR imaging findings. Methods Sixty cases of mild CSM (42 males and 18 females, average age 57.2 years) presenting with scores of 13 or higher on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale were treated initially by in-bed Good Samaritan cervical traction without surgery. These patients were enrolled between 1995 and 2003 and followed up periodically until the date of myelopathy deterioration or until the end of March 2009. The deterioration of myelopathy was defined as a decline in JOA score to less than 13 with a decrease of at least 2 points. As a prognostic factor, the authors used their classification of spinal cord shapes at their lateral sides on axial T1-weighted MR imaging. “Ovoid deformity” was classified as a situation in which both sides were round and convex, and “angular-edged deformity” where one or both sides exhibited an acute-angled lateral corner. The duration of follow-up was assessed as the tolerance rate of mild CSM using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and compared between 2 groups classified by MR imaging findings. Furthermore, differences between groups were analyzed by various applications of the log-rank test. Results Of the initial 60 cases, follow-up records existed for 55, giving a follow-up rate of 91.7% (38 males and 17 females, average age 56.1 years). The mean JOA score at end point was 14.1, which was not statistically different from the mean of 14.5 at the initial visit. Deterioration in myelopathy was observed in 14 (25.5%) of 55 cases, whereas 41 (74.5%) of 55 cases maintained mild extent myelopathy without deterioration through the follow-up period (mean 94.3 months). The total tolerance rate of mild CSM was 70%. However, there was a significant difference in the tolerance rate between the cases with angular-edged deformity (58%) and cases with ovoid deformity (95%; p = 0.049). Conclusions The tolerance rate of mild CSM was 70% in this study, which proved that the prognosis of mild CSM without surgical treatment was relatively good. However, the tolerance rate of the cases with angular-edged deformity was 58%. Therefore, surgical treatment should be considered when mild CSM cases show angular-edged deformity on axial MR imaging, even if patients lack significant symptoms.

Prognostic relevance of the postoperative evolution of intramedullary spinal cord changes in signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging after anterior decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 615-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciano Mastronardi ◽  
Ahmed Elsawaf ◽  
Raffaelino Roperto ◽  
Alessandro Bozzao ◽  
Manuela Caroli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Mr Images ◽  
Intramedullary Spinal Cord ◽  
Signal Changes ◽  
T1 And T2 ◽  
T2 Weighted Images

Object Areas of intramedullary signal intensity changes (hypointensity on T1-weighted magnetic resonance [MR] images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR images) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) have been described by several investigators. The role of postoperative evolution of these alterations is still not well known. Methods A total of 47 patients underwent MR imaging before and at the end of the surgical procedure (intraoperative MR imaging [iMRI]) for cervical spine decompression and fusion using an anterior approach. Imaging was performed with a 1.5-tesla scanner integrated with the operative room (BrainSuite). Patients were followed clinically and evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and Nurick scales and also underwent MR imaging 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results Preoperative MR imaging showed an alteration (from the normal) of the intramedullary signal in 37 (78.7%) of 47 cases. In 23 cases, signal changes were altered on both T1- and T2-weighted images, and in 14 cases only on T2-weighted images. In 12 (52.2%) of the 23 cases, regression of hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging was observed postoperatively. In 4 (17.4%) of these 23 cases, regression of hyperintensity was observed during the iMRI at the end of surgery. Residual compression on postoperative iMRI was not detected in any patients. A nonsignificant correlation was observed between postoperative expansion of the transverse diameter of the spinal cord at the level of maximal compression and the postoperative JOA score and Nurick grade. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the surgical result and the length of a patient's clinical history. A significant correlation was also observed according to the preoperative presence of intramedullary signal alteration. The best results were found in patients without spinal cord changes of signal, acceptable results were observed in the presence of changes on T2-weighted imaging only, and the worst results were observed in patients with spinal cord signal changes on both T1- and T2-weighted imaging. Finally, a statistically significant correlation was observed between patients with postoperative spinal cord signal change regression and better outcomes. Conclusions Intramedullary spinal cord changes in signal intensity in patients with CSM can be reversible (hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging) or nonreversible (hypointensity on T1-weighted imaging). The regression of areas of hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging is associated with a better prognosis, whereas the T1-weighted hypointensity is an expression of irreversible damage and, therefore, the worst prognosis. The preliminary experience with this patient series appears to exclude a relationship between the time of signal intensity recovery and outcome of CSM.

scholarly journals Relationship between Signal Intensity Change of the Spinal Cord on MRI and Motor Myelopathic Severity in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-40
Author(s):  
Kanij Fatema Ishrat Zahan ◽  
M Afzal Hossain ◽  
Kanak Kanti Barua ◽  
ATM Mosharef Hossain ◽  
Abul Khair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Intensity Change ◽  
Variable Intensity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Signal Intensity Change ◽  
Insidious Onset

Background: Diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) can be challenging due to subtle symptoms and insidious onset; however, there is a relationship between signal intensity change of the spinal cord on MRI and cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Objective: The purpose of this present study was to find out the relationship between signal intensity change of the spinal cord on MRI and motor myelopathic severity in patients with CSM.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Neurosurgery at Banghabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from October, 2011 to March, 2013 for a period of one and half year. All patients presented with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were included in this study. MRI of cervical spine was performed to all patients.Results: A total number of 36 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were included in this study. Among the 36 study patients, all had normal intensity in the spinal cord on sagittal T1WI of MRI; however, there was variable intensity on sagittal T2WI of MRI. Low Nurick score was found in 24(66.6%) patients who had type 0 signal intensity on (T2WI) MRI. High Nurick score was found in 3(8.3%) patients who had type 0 signal intensity on (T2WI) MRI. Low Nurick score was found in 2(5.5%) patients who had type 1 signal intensity on (T2WI) MRI. High Nurick score was found in 6(16.6%) patients who had type 1 signal intensity on (T2WI) MRI. Only 1 patient (2.7%) having high Nurick score (3-5) had type-2 signal intensity on (T2WI) MRI (p<0.001).Conclusion: There is a direct relationship between signal intensity change of the spinal cord on MRI and motor myelopathic severity in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2015;1(2): 37-40

scholarly journals Magnetic resonance imaging in cervical spinal cord compression

1993 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Giammona ◽  
Salvatore Giuffrida ◽  
Salvatore Greco ◽  
Casimiro Grassi ◽  
Francesco Le Pira
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Clinical Conditions

In patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy MRI sometimes shows increased signal intensity zones on the T2-weighted images. It has been suggested that these findings carry prognostic significance. We studied 56 subjects with cervical spinal cord compression. Twelve patients showed an increased signal intensity (21.4%) and a prevalence of narrowing of the AP-diameter (62% vs 24%). Furthemore, in this group, there was evidence of a longer mean duration of the symptoms and, in most of the patients, of more serious clinical conditions. The importance of these predisposing factors remains, however, to be clarified since they are also present in some patients without the increased signal intensity.

Postoperative changes in spinal cord signal intensity in patients with spinal cord injury without major bone injury: comparison between preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance images

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Masaaki Machino ◽  
Kei Ando ◽  
Kazuyoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Hiroaki Nakashima ◽  
Shunsuke Kanbara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Surgical Outcomes ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Postoperative Symptom ◽  
Bone Injury ◽  
Cord Injury

OBJECTIVEAlthough increased signal intensity (ISI) on MRI is observed in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) without major bone injury, alterations in ISI have not been evaluated. The association between postoperative ISI and surgical outcomes remains unclear. This study elucidated whether or not the postoperative classification and alterations in MRI-based ISI of the spinal cord reflected the postoperative symptom severity and surgical outcomes in patients with SCI without major bone injury.METHODSOne hundred consecutive patients with SCI without major bone injury (79 male and 21 female) with a mean age of 55 years (range 20–87 years) were included. All patients were treated with laminoplasty and underwent MRI pre- and postoperatively (mean 12.5 ± 0.8 months). ISI was classified into three groups on the basis of sagittal T2-weighted MRI: grade 0, none; grade 1, light (obscure); and grade 2, intense (bright). The neurological statuses were evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS).RESULTSPreoperatively, 8 patients had grade 0 ISI, 49 had grade 1, and 43 had grade 2; and postoperatively, 20 patients had grade 0, 24 had grade 1, and 56 had grade 2. The postoperative JOA scores and recovery rate (RR) decreased significantly with increasing postoperative ISI grade. The postoperative ISI grade tended to increase with the postoperative AIS grade. Postoperative grade 2 ISI was observed in severely paralyzed patients. The postoperative ISI grade improved in 23 patients (23%), worsened in 25 (25%), and remained unchanged in 52 (52%). Patients with an improved ISI grade had a better RR than those with a worsened ISI grade.CONCLUSIONSPostoperative ISI reflected postoperative symptom severity and surgical outcomes. Alterations in ISI were seen postoperatively in 48 patients (48%) and were associated with surgical outcomes.

Preoperative single-slab 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography predicts development of new cerebral ischemic events after carotid endarterectomy

2009 ◽  
Vol 111 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taro Suzuki ◽  
Kuniaki Ogasawara ◽  
Ryonoshin Hirooka ◽  
Makoto Sasaki ◽  
Masakazu Kobayashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Carotid Endarterectomy ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Mr Angiography ◽  
Time Of Flight ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Cerebral Ischemic ◽  
Ischemic Events

Object Preoperative impairment of cerebral hemodynamics predicts the development of new cerebral ischemic events after carotid endarterectomy (CEA), including neurological deficits and cerebral ischemic lesions on diffusion weighted MR imaging. Furthermore, the signal intensity of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) on single-slab 3D time-of-flight MR angiography (MRA) can assess hemodynamic impairment in the cerebral hemisphere. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether, on preoperative MR angiography, the signal intensity of the MCA can be used to identify patients at risk for development of cerebral ischemic events after CEA. Methods The signal intensity of the MCA ipsilateral to CEA on preoperative MR angiography was graded according to the ability to visualize the MCA in 106 patients with unilateral internal carotid artery stenosis (≥ 70%). Diffusion weighted MR imaging was performed within 3 days of and 24 hours after surgery. The presence or absence of new postoperative neurological deficits was also evaluated. Results Cerebral ischemic events after CEA were observed in 16 patients. Reduced signal intensity of the MCA on preoperative MR angiography was the only significant independent predictor of postoperative cerebral ischemic events. When the reduced MCA signal intensity on preoperative MR angiography was defined as an impairment in cerebral hemodynamics, MR angiography grading resulted in an 88% sensitivity and 63% specificity, with a 30% positive- and a 97% negative-predictive value for the development of postoperative cerebral ischemic events. Conclusions Signal intensity of the MCA on preoperative single-slab 3D time-of-flight MR angiography is useful for identifying patients at risk for cerebral ischemic events after CEA.

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