Syringomyelia

Preliminary Diagnosis: Syringomyelia

I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?

• Non-contrasted intradural protocol MR of the (cervical, thoracic, and/or lumbar spine) in patients without a history of prior spine surgery.

• In patients with prior spine surgery, the first line for diagnosis is a contrasted intradural protocol MR of the (cervical, thoracic, and/or lumbar spine.)

II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of syringomyelia.

Advantages

• Does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation.

• Able to detail the size and extent of the syrinx.

• Able to differentiate granulation tissue from recurrentherniated disc.

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Disadvantages

• Expensive.

• Time-consuming.

• Requires significant patient cooperation to minimize artifact.

III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?

Non-MR compatible hardware.

IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?

CT imaging

V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of syringomyelia.

Advantages

• May be performed in patients with non-MR compatible hardware.

• May be performed much faster than MR exams.

Disadvantages

• Exposes the patient to ionizing radiation.

VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?

May be contraindicated in pregnant patients.

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