Anatomy & Physiology: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Acute and Sub-acute MRI Feature Reflects Neurological Prognosis for Patients with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Matsushita A

Aim: We investigated the relationship between the acute (within 3 days after injury) and sub-acute (1 month after injury) MRI features and neurological prognosis.

Method: The acute MRI (within 3 days after injury): We evaluated the relationship between the vertical diameter of T2 high-intensity changed area in MR images and neurological outcome. The sub-acute MRI (1 month after injury): We evaluated the relationship between the antero-posterior diameter of T1 low-intensity changed area in MR images and neurological outcome.

Conclusion: At the acute MRI, 2-3 days after injury, a significant relationship was observed between the vertical diameter of T2 high-intensity area and the neurological prognosis at discharge. 0-1 days after injury, a relationship between the vertical diameter of T2 high-intensity area and the neurological prognosis at discharge was weak. Neurological prognosis is more correlation with MRI after 2-3 days after the injury. If the vertical diameter of T2 highintensity area was <45 mm, the patients were able to walk with or without a cane at discharge. At sub-acute MRI, There was a significant relationship between the antero-posterior diameter ratio of the T1-weighted low-intensity area on MRI at the sub-acute stage and the ASIA motor score. The patients with <50% T1-weighted low-intensity area recovered to walk with or without a cane at discharge.