Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this work was to determine the MR findings that characterize acute spinal epidural hematomas (ASEHs). Method: The MR findings of 17 patients with ASEH (9 cervical, 7 thoracic, and 2 lumbar) were reviewed. Fifteen of the hematomas were secondary to trauma and two were spontaneous. Correlation with CT (8 cases) and surgical findings (11 cases) was also performed. Results: Imaging findings in ASEH were the following: (a) a variable signal intensity (on T1-weighted images, 10 showed isointensity to cord and 7 were slightly hyperintense; T2-weighted images showed hyperintensity with areas of hypointensity); (b) capping of epidural fat; (c) direct continuity with the adjacent osseous structures; (d) compression of epidural fat, subarachnoid sac, and spinal cord; (e) usually posterolateral location in the spinal canal. Conclusion: Epidural hematomas in the spinal canal are lesions capable of producing sudden spinal cord and/or cauda equina compression. MR provides characteristic findings that allow a prompt diagnosis of acute epidural hematomas.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 238-243 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of computer assisted tomography |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 1999 |
Keywords
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Spine, diseases
- Spine, hematoma
- Spine, wounds and injuries
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Radiological and Ultrasound Technology