title: Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spinal Emergencies.
abstract: Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the spine is increasingly being used in the evaluation of spinal emergencies because it is highly sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of acute conditions of the spine. The prompt and accurate recognition allows for appropriate medical and surgical intervention. This article reviews the MR imaging features of common emergent conditions, such as spinal trauma, acute disc herniation, infection, and tumors. In addition, we describe common MR imaging sequences, discuss challenges encountered in emergency imaging of the spine, and illustrate multiple mimics of acute conditions.
authors.affiliation: Division of Emergency Imaging, Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 648, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Electronic address: Daniel_Oconnor@URMC.Rochester.edu.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kawakyu-O'Connor
authors.affiliation: Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Winthrop University Hospital, 259 1st Street, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.
authors.forename: Ritu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bordia
authors.affiliation: Division of Emergency Imaging, Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 648, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
authors.forename: Refky
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nicola
mesh_terms: D004630:Emergencies; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
keywords: Emergency; MR imaging spine; Mimics; Protocols; Spinal cord; Trauma