Research Article
The Contribution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to the Etiological Diagnosis of Slow Spinal Cord Compression
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
20-26
Received:
20 May 2025
Accepted:
4 June 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
Abstract: Introduction: The goal of this study was to determine the contribution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the etiological diagnosis of slow spinal cord compressions. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted over a period of six months, from August 16, 2023, to February 16, 2024. Results: During the study period, 1082 MRI scans were performed, of which 68 cases (6.28%) were diagnosed with slow spinal cord compressions. The mean age of patients was 51.85 ± 18.87 years, ranging from 3 to 92 years. Males accounted for 72.1% (n = 49), with a sex ratio of 2.57. Most patients were referred by the neurology department (67.6%). The average time to MRI examination after clinical consultation was 2 ± 0.71 days. The most common presenting symptoms were spinal pain and motor disturbances, noted in 70.6% of cases. The cervical and thoracic spinal levels were the most frequently affected, each accounting for more than 41.2% (n = 28) of cases. Extradural lesions were predominant, observed in 83.8% of cases. Degenerative pathologies were the most common cause (44.1%), followed by tumoral lesions (42.6%). Cervicoarthrosic myelopathy was the most frequent radiologic diagnosis, accounting for 33.9% of cases. Conclusion: Slow spinal cord compression is a recurrent spinal cord pathology affecting individuals of all ages, with a male predominance. The extradural compartment is most frequently involved, primarily due to degenerative conditions, especially cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Tumoral lesions, primarly metastatic, represent the second most frequent etiology.
Abstract: Introduction: The goal of this study was to determine the contribution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the etiological diagnosis of slow spinal cord compressions. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted over a period of six months, from August 16, 2023, to February 16, 2024. Results: During the study period, 1082 MRI scan...
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Bah Ousmane Aminata
