title: Importance of gadolinium enhancement when using MRI to evaluate spinal cord pathology.
abstract: Since its introduction, magnetic resonance imaging has become an indispensable diagnostic tool for the physiatrist evaluating potential spinal cord pathology. Despite ongoing advances in MRI technology and subsequent improved sensitivity, significant pathology can still be missed. In this article, we review the clinical role of contrast enhancement in visualizing many forms of spinal cord pathology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Dillingham
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium