American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 159, 149-159, Copyright © 1992 by American Roentgen Ray Society
MR imaging of the spinal cord: current status and future advances
G Sze
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
The advent of MR imaging has dramatically altered the evaluation of
suspected myelopathy. MR is far less invasive than traditional imaging
techniques and often offers a degree of understanding of an abnormality not
previously possible. These achievements have closely followed recent
technologic advances, such as the development of contrast agents and the
introduction of sequences that permit a reduction in both imaging time and
artifacts. The current role of MR in the imaging of spinal cord disorders,
including intramedullary tumors, infectious and inflammatory myelitis,
demyelinating diseases, vascular lesions, trauma,
syringomyelia/hydromyelia, and neurodegenerative disorders, is reviewed.
While further improvements will undoubtedly occur, the field of spinal MR
imaging appears to be entering a maturing phase.