DefinePK

Research Objective

To review patients with spinal dysraphism over a three-year period to identify typical neuro-radiological appearances on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Methodology

Cross-sectional study involving retrospective analysis of MR spine reports of 144 patients with spinal dysraphism. Data collected included age, gender, indication for MRI, operative status, and neuro-radiological features (site and type of lesion). MRI was performed using 1.5T and 3.0T scanners with specific sequences (sagittal T1- and T2-weighted, axial acquisitions). Data was analyzed using SPSS v20.0 with descriptive statistics.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Obtain Institutional Review Board Approval"] --> B["Screen MR Spine Reports Jan 2016 - Dec 2018"];
    B --> C["Identify Patients with Spinal Dysraphism"];
    C --> D["Collect Patient Data: Age, Gender, Indication, Operative Status, Neuro-radiological Features"];
    D --> E["Perform MRI Analysis T1/T2 weighted, Axial"];
    E --> F["Categorize Lesions and Associated Abnormalities"];
    F --> G["Analyze Data using SPSS v20.0"];
    G --> H["Draw Conclusions"];                    

Discussion

Spinal dysraphism encompasses a spectrum of congenital malformations with varied radiological appearances. The study highlights a female predominance and a higher incidence in younger age groups, consistent with previous literature. Tethered cord was the most prevalent lesion. Associated anomalies like scoliosis and syringohydromelia are significant and require careful evaluation. MRI is the preferred imaging modality for identification, preoperative assessment, and follow-up.

Key Findings

Congenital spinal malformations were more frequent in females (60.4%) and in the 0-20 years age group (93.9%). Tethered cord (67.4%) was the most common abnormality, followed by spina bifida, diastematomyelia, vertebral segmentation anomalies, myelomeningocele, and meningocele. Frequently observed associated abnormalities included scoliosis (42.4%), syrinx (32.6%), and dural ectasia (27.8%). Lumbar spine was the most common site for lesions.

Conclusion

Congenital spinal malformations are complex with diverse radiological presentations. High-resolution MRI is the examination of choice for their identification, preoperative evaluation, and long-term follow-up.

Fact Check

1. Incidence in females: Congenital spinal malformations were more frequent among females (60.4%). This is confirmed by the results section.
2. Age group prevalence: 93.9% of patients were between 0-20 years of age. This is confirmed by the results section.
3. Most common abnormality: Tethered cord was the most common congenital spinal abnormality, identified in 97 (67.4%) patients. This is confirmed by the results section.

Mind Map