Diffusion-weighted MR imaging in acute spinal cord ischemia

Eur Radiol. 2004 Nov;14(11):2076-8. doi: 10.1007/s00330-004-2284-6. Epub 2004 Mar 12.

Abstract

We report diffusion-weighted (DW) MR findings for acute spinal cord ischemia in a 56-year-old patient. MR imaging obtained approximately 3 h after symptom onset demonstrated an area of hyperintensity on DW images, but no conspicuous signal abnormality on T2-weighted images in the conus medullaris. DW imaging of the spinal cord can contribute to the early detection of spinal cord vascular compromise.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Edema / complications
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gait Ataxia / complications
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Low Back Pain / complications
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Spinal Cord / blood supply*
  • Spinal Cord / pathology*
  • Spinal Cord Ischemia / diagnosis*
  • Urination Disorders / complications