Comparisons between heavily T2-weighted MR and CT myelography studies in two patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.
Our previous study demonstrated that heavily T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) myelography could successfully detect abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collections in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH); however, its ability to demonstrate ongoing CSF leakage sites is uncertain. Currently, computed tomographic (CT) myelography is still considered the study of choice for such a purpose. In this study, we compared the results of the two imaging modalities in two patients with SIH. CSF leakages, such as C1-2 extraspinal collections, CSF along nerve root sleeves, and epidural fluid collections were noted on both studies with minor discrepancies. CSF collection along nerve root sleeves demonstrated by MR myelography was the most likely ongoing leakage site in comparison with CT myelography. Targeted epidural blood patches in both patients resulted in complete headache resolution. Non-invasive, non-contrasted and time-saving MR myelography is a promising study for patients with SIH. Further large-scale validation studies are needed.
Tsai
P-H
PH
Department of Neurology, Suao Veterans Hospital, Yi-Lan, Taiwan.
Fuh
J-L
JL
Lirng
J-F
JF
Wang
S-J
SJ
D000328:Adult; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000166:cytology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019586:Intracranial Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009192:Myelography / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013353:Subdural Effusion / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*