MRI features of multiple sclerosis in the spinal cord

Objective: To analyze the MRI features of multiple sclerosis(MS) in the spinal cord and to explore its value in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of MS.Methods: Eleven cases of spinal MS confirmed by clinic underwent MRI examination and the findings were analyzed retrospectively.Results: Of the 11 patients with spinal MS,27 loci were detected.The lesions were located in the cervical spinal cord and the thoracic spinal cord.On the sagittal plane images,the lesions were strip-shaped,paralleled to the long axis of spinal cord,or fusiform-shaped or mottled.All the lesions were hypo-/isointensity on T₁WI or T₁WIR and hyperintensity on T₂WI.The diseased spinal cords were slightly to moderately swollen.On contrast-enhanced MR imaging,the lesions showed absent or strip-shaped,conglomeration-shaped,patchy and ring-like enhancement,and its size was obviously smaller than that shown on T₂WI.Conclusions: The MS in the spinal cord has certain characteristic features on MR imaging,however,it is still necessary to distinguish it from acute transverse myelitis,acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and neuromyelitis optica.