Discuss the radiological anatomy of the spinal Cord.pptx

Brief

1. Radiological Anatomy of the Spinal Cord and Imaging Techniques Seminar Presentation

2. Introduction • The spinal cord is a cylindrical structure within the vertebral canal. • Extends from the medulla oblongata to L1–L2 in adults (L3 in children). • Housed within meninges and surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). • Radiological imaging allows assessment of spinal cord anatomy and pathology.

3. Gross Radiological Anatomy • 31 segments: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 1 coccygeal. • Conus medullaris ends at L1–L2 (adults). • Enlargements: cervical (C4–T1) and lumbosacral (L2–S3). • Surrounded by meninges, epidural fat, and venous plexus. • Cord appears iso- to hypointense on T1 MRI, hyperintense on T2 MRI.

4. Imaging Techniques (Overview) • X-ray: Shows vertebral bones, deformities, fractures. • Myelography: Contrast study of subarachnoid space. • CT: High-resolution bone detail, CT myelography for cord/roots. • MRI: Gold standard for spinal cord and soft tissue. • Ultrasound: Useful in neonates and infants. • Advanced: Diffusion Tensor Imaging, fMRI, PET.

5. X-ray & Myelography X-ray: • Limited to bony structures. • Detects fractures, scoliosis, spina bifida. Myelography: • Intrathecal contrast outlines cord and nerve roots. • Useful in stenosis, disc herniation, CSF leaks. • Replaced mostly by MRI, but used if MRI contraindicated.

6. CT & CT Myelography • Excellent bone detail, especially in trauma. • Detects fractures, congenital anomalies, postoperative changes. • CT Myelography: – Combines CT with intrathecal contrast. – Shows cord and nerve root compressions clearly.

7. MRI (Gold Standard) • Excellent soft tissue contrast and multiplanar imaging. • T1-weighted: Anatomy, fat, marrow. • T2-weighted: CSF bright, cord pathology visible. • Contrast (Gadolinium): Tumors, inflammation, abscess. • Applications: tumors, MS, trauma, syringomyelia, infection.

8. Ultrasound & Advanced Imaging Ultrasound: • Used in neonates (posterior elements unossified). • Detects tethered cord, syrinx, dysraphism. Advanced Imaging: • Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI): White matter integrity. • fMRI: Functional cord activity (research). • PET/CT: Metastatic evaluation.

9. Summary • Spinal cord: Extends from medulla to L1–L2, with enlargements. • Surrounded by meninges, CSF, epidural fat. • Imaging options: – X-ray: Bones only – Myelography: Contrast outline – CT: Bones, CT-myelography – MRI: Best for soft tissues and pathology – Ultrasound: Infants – Advanced MRI/PET: Research & microstructure.