Utility of cervical dynamic magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating patients with cervical myelopathy: a retrospective study
- Author:
Mrugank NARVEKAR
1
;
Bharatkumar Rajendraprasad DAVE
;
Ajay KRISHNAN
;
Devanand DEGULMADI
;
Shivanand MAYI
;
Ravi Ranjan RAI
;
Mirant DAVE
;
Charde PRANAV
;
Abhijith ANIL
;
Rohan KILLEKAR
;
Panthackel MIKESON
;
Kishor MURKUTE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Clinical Study
- From:Asian Spine Journal 2024;18(5):647-653
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 369 patients with symptoms of cervical myelopathy assessed using cervical dMRI. After assessing the subaxial cervical spine at each disc level (C3–T1), significant changes in the degree of central canal stenosis were determined. The appearance and extent of hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted sequences were also noted.
Results:Overall, 653/1,845 (35.39%) disc levels showed an increase in stenosis grade on extension MRI, with 168/653 (25.72%) and 180/653 (27.56%) disc levels changing from grades 0/1 to grades 2 and 3, respectively. Moreover, 120/369 (32.52%) patients showed a mean increase of 1.55±0.75 levels of compression on extension MRI when compared to neutral MRI. A fresh-appearing hyperintense lesion was observed in 79 (4.28%) disc levels on flexion MRI, which was not visualized on neutral MRI.
Conclusions:Cervical dMRI may help surgeons plan for surgery, discuss the prognosis with the patient, and safeguard themselves from medico-legal issues arising from improper or missed diagnosis and treatment.