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Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden :... May 2019The studies that described the dimensions of the normal fetal thoracic spinal canal and spinal cord on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are scarce.
BACKGROUND
The studies that described the dimensions of the normal fetal thoracic spinal canal and spinal cord on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are scarce.
PURPOSE
To determine the normal appearance of the fetal spinal canal and spinal cord at T12 across different gestational ages using 3.0-T MRI.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The spines of 43 normal human fetuses, aged 15-40 weeks, were scanned by 3.0-T MRI. All specimens were scanned using a GE 3.0-T MRI scanner. Imaging of the T12 vertebrae was performed in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes. The anterior-posterior (AP) diameter, width, and cross-sectional area of the spinal canal and spinal cord at T12 were measured. The influence of gestational age on these parameters was investigated with a scatter plot and linear regression analysis using Pearson correlation coefficient.
RESULTS
The normal morphology of the fetal vertebra at T12 can be clearly showed by MRI; the spinal canal appeared circular, while the spinal cord was ellipsoid. Linear regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the AP diameter, width, and cross-sectional area of the spinal canal at T12 and gestational age.
CONCLUSION
Postmortem MRI is a reliable method for understanding the growth dynamics of the spinal canal and spinal cord at T12. Findings from this study would benefit the prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations by MRI.
Topics: Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Reference Values; Spinal Canal; Spinal Cord
PubMed: 30142995
DOI: 10.1177/0284185118791197 -
IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging Aug 2015Quantifying spinal cord (SC) atrophy in neurodegenerative and traumatic diseases brings important diagnosis and prognosis information for the clinician. We recently...
Quantifying spinal cord (SC) atrophy in neurodegenerative and traumatic diseases brings important diagnosis and prognosis information for the clinician. We recently developed the PropSeg method, which allows for fast, accurate and automatic segmentation of the SC on different types of MRI contrast (e.g., T1-, T2- and T2(∗) -weighted sequences) and any field of view. However, comparing measurements from the SC between subjects is hindered by the lack of a generic coordinate system for the SC. In this paper, we present a new framework combining PropSeg and a vertebral level identification method, thereby enabling direct inter- and intra-subject comparison of SC measurements for large cohort studies as well as for longitudinal studies. Our segmentation method is based on the multi-resolution propagation of tubular deformable models. Coupled with an automatic intervertebral disk identification method, our segmentation pipeline provides quantitative metrics of the SC and spinal canal such as cross-sectional areas and volumes in a generic coordinate system based on vertebral levels. This framework was validated on 17 healthy subjects and on one patient with SC injury against manual segmentation. Results have been compared with an existing active surface method and show high local and global accuracy for both SC and spinal canal (Dice coefficients =0.91 ± 0.02) segmentation. Having a robust and automatic framework for SC segmentation and vertebral-based normalization opens the door to bias-free measurement of SC atrophy in large cohorts.
Topics: Algorithms; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Spinal Canal; Spinal Cord
PubMed: 26011879
DOI: 10.1109/TMI.2015.2437192 -
Clinical Imaging Mar 2020Diagnosis of extramedullary spinal diseases is often complex, firstly requiring a good anatomic knowledge for a precise localization of pathologies. The spinal canal, a... (Review)
Review
Diagnosis of extramedullary spinal diseases is often complex, firstly requiring a good anatomic knowledge for a precise localization of pathologies. The spinal canal, a tubular space delimited by vertebral bodies and neural arches, contains the spinal cord, nerve roots and cauda equina. Neural structures are surrounded and supported, from outer to inner, by meninges: dura, arachnoid and pia mater; meningeal layers divide extramedullary spaces in epidural, subdural and subarachnoid. Extramedullary diseases may be broadly classified in degenerative, neoplastic, traumatic, infective or miscellaneous. Imaging (MRI, CT) plays a fundamental role in the identification of pathologies, providing elements of differential diagnosis and accurate informations (location, extension, tissue characteristics) to guide further management. MRI is the best imaging modality technique to investigate extramedullary spaces and their diseases; however, CT may be useful in cases of bone involvement. The purposes of this article are to depict extramedullary anatomy, describe the most important extramedullary diseases following physiopathological and space-to-space criteria, illustrate imaging features of extramedullary pathologies, and underline imaging clues for differential diagnosis.
Topics: Arachnoid; Dura Mater; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Meninges; Spinal Canal; Spinal Cord; Spinal Diseases; Spine; Subdural Space
PubMed: 31865214
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2019.12.004 -
Medicine Dec 2023Accurate and detailed spinal canal diameter transverse foraminal morphometry measurements are essential for understanding spinal column-related diseases and surgical...
Accurate and detailed spinal canal diameter transverse foraminal morphometry measurements are essential for understanding spinal column-related diseases and surgical planning, especially for transpedicular screw fixation. This is especially because lateral cervical radiographs do not provide accurate measurements. This retrospective study was conducted to measure the dimensions of the transverse foramen sagittal and transverse diameter (TFD), spinal canal diameter, the distance of the spinal canal from the transverse foramina at the C1 to C7 cervical level, and the anteroposterior and TFDs in the Turkish population. A total of 150 patients who underwent cervical spine computed tomographic imaging with a 1:1 gender ratio were enrolled in the study. The sagittal and TFDs of the spinal canal, the distance of the spinal canal from the transverse foramen, and anteroposterior and TFDs in both right and left sides for all cervical levels C1 to C7. Foramina transversal diameters were measured using imaging tools of the imaging software in the radiology unit. The mean age of the study group was 47.99 ± 18.65 (range, 18-80) years. The majority of the distances of the spinal canal from the transverse foramen and antero-posterior (AP) & transverse (T) diameters for cervical vertebrae were significantly higher in male patients (P < .05). However, between age groups, a few measurements were found significantly different. Some of the distances of the spinal canal from the transverse foramen were significantly higher on the right side whereas all AP & T diameters were significantly higher on the left side in both male and female patients (P < .05). Almost all measurements were significantly higher on the left side for younger patients (<65 years) whereas only AP & T diameters were significantly higher on the left side for older patients (>65 years) (P < .05). Computed tomographic imaging is better than conventional radiographs for the preoperative evaluation of the cervical spine and for a better understanding of cervical spine morphometry. Care must be taken during transpedicular screw fixation, especially in female subjects, more so at the C2, C4, and C6 levels due to decreased distance of the spinal canal from the transverse foramina.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Sex Characteristics; Retrospective Studies; Cervical Vertebrae; Spinal Canal; Spinal Diseases; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38065881
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036155 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2021A known prevalence of concurrent cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis was shown to be 5-25%, but there is a lack of evidence regarding direct relationships in canal...
A known prevalence of concurrent cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis was shown to be 5-25%, but there is a lack of evidence regarding direct relationships in canal dimension and canal-body ratio between cervical and lumbar spine. Total 247 patients (mean age: 61 years, male: 135) with cervical and lumbar computed tomography scans were retrospectively reviewed. Midsagittal vertebral body and canal diameters in reconstructed images were measured at all cervical and lumbar vertebrae, and canal-body ratios were calculated. The canal diameter and ratio were also compared according to the gender and age, and correlation analysis was performed for each value. There were significant correlations between cervical (C3-C7) and lumbar (L1-L5) canal dimension (p < 0.001). C5 canal diameter was most significantly correlated with L4 canal diameter (r = 0.435, p < 0.001). Cervical canal-body ratios (C3-C7) were also correlated with those of lumbar spine (L1-L5) (p < 0.001). The canal-body ratio of C3 was most highly correlated with L3 (r = 0.477, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, mean canal-body ratios of C3 and L3 were significantly smaller in male patients than female (p = 0.038 and p < 0.001) and patient's age was inversely correlated with C5 canal diameter (r = - 0.223, p < 0.001) and C3 canal-body ratio (r = - 0.224, p < 0.001). Spinal canal dimension and canal-body ratio have moderate degrees of correlations between cervical and lumbar spine and the elderly male patients show the tendency of small canal diameter and canal-body ratio. This relationship of cervical and lumbar spine can be an important evidence to explain to the patients.
Topics: Cervical Vertebrae; Female; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Male; Middle Aged; Spinal Canal; Spinal Stenosis
PubMed: 34531481
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98038-0 -
Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia Sep 2021This study was performed on Van cats to determine the volumetric, morphometric and surface area measurement values of their cervical spinal cords (SC) and vertebral...
This study was performed on Van cats to determine the volumetric, morphometric and surface area measurement values of their cervical spinal cords (SC) and vertebral canals (CC) and the ratios between their dimensions using computed tomography (CT) images. The study also aims to reveal any biometric differences in these values between the two sexes. Spinal cord and vertebral canal CT images of 16 healthy adult Van cats (8 males and 8 females) were used in the study. First, three measurement points were selected for each vertebra on their cranial, medial and caudal sections along the sagittal axis. Next, the morphometric values were obtained using the transversal images of these measurement points. The surface areas for the SC and CC were calculated using the stereological planimetry method. The Cavalieri's principle was then used to calculate the relevant anatomic structure volumes. The obtained values were then statistically analysed. SC and CC were found to be larger in males in general, while 'SC cranial/CC cranial' and 'SC medial/CC medial' dimensions and volume ratios were found to be larger in female cats on average. Bodyweight and age values were found to have a negative correlation with SC and CC ratio, but the correlation was statistically insignificant. All SC and CC surface area and volume measurements were found to be higher in male cats (p < .05). We believe the results obtained by this study will provide valuable insight into veterinary clinicians in evaluating pathological lesions in the cervical spinal cord and vertebral canal CT scans.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Cervical Cord; Cervical Vertebrae; Female; Male; Spinal Canal; Spinal Cord; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 34312909
DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12727 -
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery &... Apr 2017Lumbar spinal stenosis is degenerative disc disease most common manifestation. If stenosis degree seems poorly related to symptom severity, lumbar muscles role is...
BACKGROUND
Lumbar spinal stenosis is degenerative disc disease most common manifestation. If stenosis degree seems poorly related to symptom severity, lumbar muscles role is recognized. Many studies report imaging methods, to analyze muscle volumes and fat infiltration (FI), but remain limited due to the difficulty to represent entire muscle volume variability. Recently a 3D muscle reconstruction protocol (using the deformation of a parametric specific object method (DPSO) and three-point Dixon images) was reported. It offers the ability to evaluate, muscles volumes and muscle FI.
PURPOSE
To describe, in a lumbar spinal stenosis population, muscle volumes, muscle FI and lumbar spinal canal volume with 3D MRI images reconstructions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ten adults presenting L4-L5 lumbar stenosis, were included. After specific MRI protocol, three-dimensional, muscle and spinal canal, reconstructions were performed. Muscle (psoas and paraspinal muscles) volumes and fat infiltration (FI), the spinal canal volume, age, and height were correlated one to each other with Spearman correlation factor. An ANOVA was performed to evaluate the intervertebral level influence (P≤0.05).
RESULTS
Muscle volumes correlated with height (r=0.68 for psoas). Muscles FI correlated with age (r=0.66 for psoas) and lumbar spinal canal volume (r=0.91). Psoas and paraspinal volumes were maximum at L3-L4 level whereas FI increased from L1-L2 to L5-S1 level.
DISCUSSION
These first results illustrate the importance to consider muscles entirely and report correlations between muscles FI, lumbar spinal canal volume and age; and between muscle volumes and patients height. Muscle degeneration seems more related to muscle FI than muscle volume.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
3.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Body Height; Female; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Lumbar Vertebrae; Lumbosacral Region; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Organ Size; Paraspinal Muscles; Psoas Muscles; Spinal Canal; Spinal Stenosis
PubMed: 28087395
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2016.10.025 -
Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden :... Jun 2020Magnetic resonance myelography (MRM) with three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted (T2W) turbo spin echo (TSE) sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using...
Measurement of spinal root angle at spinal canal and foraminal levels in cases of facet arthropathy: T2-weighted turbo spin echo magnetic resonance myelography with SPACE technique.
BACKGROUND
Magnetic resonance myelography (MRM) with three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted (T2W) turbo spin echo (TSE) sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) may be a guide to the etiology of low back pain.
PURPOSE
To research the efficiency of a 3D T2W TSE SPACE MRM sequence for visualization of anatomic details of spinal nerve root at the spinal canal and lateral recess levels in the patients with low back pain.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Lumbar spinal MRM 3D T2W TSE SPACE was performed in a total of 70 patients (median age 46 years). Patients were imaged while lying in a supine position with straightened legs. According to the degree of facet arthropathy findings, patients were divided into four separate subgroups in our retrospective cross-sectional study. Spinal nerve root angle was measured within the spinal canal and at lateral recess level, and facet joint angle and lumbar lordosis measurements were measured by two radiologists, independently.
RESULTS
Lumbar level was strongly negatively correlated with facet joint angle (r = -0.95) as well as nerve root angle within the spinal canal (NRA) (r = -0.857) and at the lateral recess level (NRA) (r = -0.947). Intracanal decline of the spinal root angle caused by spinal stenosis findings was also observed ( < 0.05). For the measurements of NRA and NRA, inter-observer correlation was 0.85 and 0.82 for the spinal canal and at lateral recess level, respectively.
CONCLUSION
3D T2W SPACE in NRA and NRA provided high resolution images for evaluation. Therefore, this method may be a qualitative guide for the clinician and the surgeon in terms of root anatomy before any intervention.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Myelography; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Canal; Spinal Nerve Roots; Spinal Stenosis; Young Adult
PubMed: 31653187
DOI: 10.1177/0284185119881744 -
Biological Reviews of the Cambridge... Jun 2020The origin and evolution of the vertebrate skull have been topics of intense study for more than two centuries. Whereas early theories of skull origin, such as the... (Review)
Review
The origin and evolution of the vertebrate skull have been topics of intense study for more than two centuries. Whereas early theories of skull origin, such as the influential vertebral theory, have been largely refuted with respect to the anterior (pre-otic) region of the skull, the posterior (post-otic) region is known to be derived from the anteriormost paraxial segments, i.e. the somites. Here we review the morphology and development of the occiput in both living and extinct tetrapods, taking into account revised knowledge of skull development by augmenting historical accounts with recent data. When occipital composition is evaluated relative to its position along the neural axis, and specifically to the hypoglossal nerve complex, much of the apparent interspecific variation in the location of the skull-neck boundary stabilizes in a phylogenetically informative way. Based on this criterion, three distinct conditions are identified in (i) frogs, (ii) salamanders and caecilians, and (iii) amniotes. The position of the posteriormost occipital segment relative to the hypoglossal nerve is key to understanding the evolution of the posterior limit of the skull. By using cranial foramina as osteological proxies of the hypoglossal nerve, a survey of fossil taxa reveals the amniote condition to be present at the base of Tetrapoda. This result challenges traditional theories of cranial evolution, which posit translocation of the occiput to a more posterior location in amniotes relative to lissamphibians (frogs, salamanders, caecilians), and instead supports the largely overlooked hypothesis that the reduced occiput in lissamphibians is secondarily derived. Recent advances in our understanding of the genetic basis of axial patterning and its regulation in amniotes support the hypothesis that the lissamphibian occipital form may have arisen as the product of a homeotic shift in segment fate from an amniote-like condition.
Topics: Animals; Anura; Biological Evolution; Birds; Cervical Vertebrae; Extinction, Biological; Fossils; Hypoglossal Nerve; Mammals; Neck; Occipital Bone; Phylogeny; Reptiles; Skull; Spinal Canal; Urodela; Vertebrates
PubMed: 31912655
DOI: 10.1111/brv.12578 -
Journal of Neuro-oncology Jun 2018The spine is the third most common site for distant metastasis in cancer patients with approximately 70% of patients with metastatic cancer having spinal involvement.... (Review)
Review
The spine is the third most common site for distant metastasis in cancer patients with approximately 70% of patients with metastatic cancer having spinal involvement. Positron emission tomography (PET), combined with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has been deeply integrated in modern clinical oncology as a pivotal component of the diagnostic work-up of patients with cancer. PET is able to diagnose several neoplastic processes before any detectable morphological changes can be identified by anatomic imaging modalities alone. In this review, we discuss the role of PET/CT and PET/MRI in the diagnostic management of non-osseous metastatic disease of the spinal canal. While sometimes subtle, recognizing such disease on FDG PET/CT and PET/MRI imaging done routinely in cancer patients can guide treatment strategies to potentially prevent irreversible neurological damage.
Topics: Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Multimodal Imaging; Positron-Emission Tomography; Spinal Canal; Spinal Neoplasms; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 29484521
DOI: 10.1007/s11060-018-2794-8