Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spinal Emergencies

Daniel Kawakyu-O'Connor; Ritu Bordia; Refky Nicola

doi:10.1016/j.mric.2015.11.004

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spinal Emergencies

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2016 May;24(2):325-44. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2015.11.004. Epub 2016 Feb 23.

Authors

Daniel Kawakyu-O'Connor¹, Ritu Bordia², Refky Nicola³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Emergency Imaging, Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 648, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Electronic address: Daniel_Oconnor@URMC.Rochester.edu.
² Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Winthrop University Hospital, 259 1st Street, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.
³ Division of Emergency Imaging, Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 648, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.

PMID: 27150322
DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2015.11.004

Abstract

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the spine is increasingly being used in the evaluation of spinal emergencies because it is highly sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of acute conditions of the spine. The prompt and accurate recognition allows for appropriate medical and surgical intervention. This article reviews the MR imaging features of common emergent conditions, such as spinal trauma, acute disc herniation, infection, and tumors. In addition, we describe common MR imaging sequences, discuss challenges encountered in emergency imaging of the spine, and illustrate multiple mimics of acute conditions.

Keywords: Emergency; MR imaging spine; Mimics; Protocols; Spinal cord; Trauma.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Emergencies
Emergency Service, Hospital*
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Spinal Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
Spine / diagnostic imaging