title: Imaging approach to the cord T2 hyperintensity (myelopathy).
abstract: In clinically suspected cases of myelopathy, magnetic resonance imaging without and with gadolinium remains the modality of choice. The first and best imaging approach in the evaluation of myelopathy is to identify whether the cause of myelopathy is compressive or noncompressive. The commonest imaging finding in myelopathy is either focal or diffuse cord hyperintensity on the T2-weighted magnetic resonance images. Detailed clinical history, acuity of symptoms (acute vs insidious onset), distribution of the signal abnormalities, including length of cord involvement, specific tract involvement, and the region of the spinal cord that is affected, are very useful in making the diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Section of Neuroradiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1308 W Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
authors.forename: Allison M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Grayev
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kissane
authors.affiliation: Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Department of Neurology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. Electronic address: skanekar@hmc.psu.edu.
authors.forename: Sangam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kanekar
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: ADEM; Acute transverse myelitis; MRI; MS; Myelopathy; Vascular malformation