Abstract

Dr. Poonam Vohra*, Dr. Vikas Yadav and Dr. L.N. Gupta

ABSTRACT

Background: Spinal Dysraphism includes a spectrum of congenital disorders caused by incomplete or abnormal closure of the neural tube during early embryogenesis. As a result, fusion of the midline spinal elements is either absent or incomplete.MRI is an excellent imaging modality for visualizing the spinal cord of patients of all ages.It is the imaging modality of choice for defining complex spinal dysraphism. Most attractive features of MRI that made it superior to conventional radiography and CT myelography are its ability to image the cord directly without the use of contrast or ionising radiation, absence of bone artefacts and its multiplanar capability. Methods: A Cross-sectional Observational study was done in 32 patients. Patients who were diagnosed or provisionally diagnosed as cases of spinal dysraphism, irrespective of age and sex, based on the Clinical profile and imaging profile as preliminary findings on radiographs/Ultrasonography and incidentally detected cases on either Radiographs, CT, USG or MRI were included in our study. Results: In the pre CT era the combination of a precise clinical pattern with x ray images of the spine could prompt a suspicion of Spinal Dysraphism. Ultrasonographic evaluation for spina bifida includes both spinal and cranial imaging. Computed tomography better showed osseous abnormalities associated with the spinal congenital malformations.MR imaging is considered as the primary imaging modality in the evaluation of the paediatric spinal canal. Congenital anomalies as well as neoplastic, inflammatory, and traumatic disorders can be reliably evaluated with MR imaging. Conclusions: MR imaging clearly reveals an excellent tissue differentiation, especially of lipomatous tissue. The reproducible and comprehensive section planes, as well as the relative operator-independence are also well appreciated facts. MRI is a single safe, non-invasive and quick method of describing the gamut of findings in patients with spinal dysraphism.