MRI case study
Signa Profile 0.2T MRI System
SPINAL EPIDURAL ABSCESS
A 21 year old male complained of severe
backache, fever and associated abdominal pain
for 3 days. Examinations revealed he had neck
stiffness, SLRT was positive on both sides and tenderness
between D12-L2 level. No obvious neurological deficit
was present. A generalised spasm of the back muscles was
observed. Investigations also revealed a TLC of 11,300.
X-ray of the spine did not reveal anything unusual.
The patient was put on analgesics and muscle
relaxants, but no improvement was seen. On the third
day, an MRI of dorsal lumbar spine was done, which
revealed epidural collection (abscess) extending
between D7 and L2 compressing the cord and theca
anteriorly. Decompressive laminectomy performed at
L1-L2 revealed large extradural collection of liquid
pus. The post operative period was uncomplicated
and the patient showed satisfactory recovery.
PATHOLOGY AND IMAGING
Spinal Epidural Abscess (SEA) typically results from a cutaneous, pulmonary or urinary tract
source. Aureus is the most common infecting organism. Risk factors include
IV drug abuse, alcohol abuse and CRF. SEA may occur
in acute or chronic form. Symptoms usually include
back pain, radicular pain, fever with weakness and
paralysis appearing later. Stiffness and cramps are often
the
earliest symptoms.Fever may not be prominent.
The treatment of SEA generally includes decompressive
laminectomy and operative debridement followed by
antibiotics.
RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION
MRI is the procedure of choice in evaluation of suspected epidural
abscess. In general SEA is hypointense or isointense to
the spinal cord on T1W1 and of high signal intensity on
PD and T2W1. In most cases, the extradural location is
readily apparent with a convex margin towards the
spinal canal. GAD enhanced
MRI is often helpful in better
delineating the extent and
anatomic location. There can be
a diffuse homogeneous or
a thick rim enhancement,
or a combination of both.
Occasionally coexisting
low signal changes in
adjacent vertebral body are
seen on T1W1.
-Dr. S. Shivram, Chief Radiologist,
Apollo Medical Investigations,
Indore
Signa Profile Permanent
Magnet MRI System
The latest innovation from over a decade of
advances in Signa MRI technology, the
Signa Profile is an open design 0.2T MRI
system that delivers high quality images across a
wide range of applications while providing superior
patient comfort.
High image quality - an outcome of the imaging
technology developed on Signa systems over the
last 13 years - for faster, more accurate diagnoses
Open design facilitates studies not normally
possible with conventional MRI systems
- Kinematic musculoskeletal exams
- Imaging of patients who are claustrophobic or
extremely large
Full line of surface coils allows imaging of a wide
array of anatomy in greater detail
Easy siting in a small area of 247 sq. ft.
Does not require cryogen or cryogen support
systems
Fitted with the lightest permanent magnet in its
class
Works through a friendly Advantage
Windows-based operator interface that features
simple menus and point-and-click operation
Full range of pre-programmed protocols
Facility to develop custom protocols to suit
specific requirements
Can be networked to other DICOM 3 compatible
imaging systems
Protected by the GE Continuum of upgrades
Please write to us for more information on the Signa Profile.
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