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MRI of cervical spine injuries complicating ankylosing spondylitis

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Abstract

Objective

The objective was to study characteristic MRI findings in cervical spine fractures complicating ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Technical issues related to MRI are also addressed.

Materials and methods

A review of 6,774 consecutive cervical spine multidetector CT (MDCT) scans obtained during 6.2 years revealed 33 ankylosed spines studied for suspected acute cervical spine injury complicating AS. Of these, 20 patients also underwent MRI.

Results

On MRI, of these 20 patients, 19 had a total of 29 cervical and upper thoracic spine fractures. Of 20 transverse fractures traversing both anterior and posterior columns, 7 were transdiskal and exhibited less bone marrow edema than did those traversing vertebral bodies. One Jefferson’s, 1 atlas posterior arch (Jefferson’s on MDCT), 2 odontoid process, and 5 non-contiguous spinous process fractures were detectable. MRI showed 2 fractures that were undetected by MDCT, and conversely, MDCT detected 6 fractures not seen on MRI; 16 patients had spinal cord findings ranging from impingement and contusion to complete transection.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging can visualize unstable fractures of the cervical and upper thoracic spine. Paravertebral hemorrhages and any ligamentous injuries should alert radiologists to seek transverse fractures. Multiple fractures are common and often complicated by spinal cord injuries. Diagnostic images can be obtained with a flexible multipurpose coil if the use of standard spine array coil is impossible due to a rigid collar or excessive kyphosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Töölö Hospital, Department of Radiology, Helsinki Medical Imaging Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Topeliuksenkatu 5, FIN-00029, Helsinki, Finland

    Mika P. Koivikko & Seppo K. Koskinen

Authors
  1. Mika P. Koivikko
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  2. Seppo K. Koskinen
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Correspondence to Mika P. Koivikko.

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Koivikko, M.P., Koskinen, S.K. MRI of cervical spine injuries complicating ankylosing spondylitis. Skeletal Radiol 37, 813–819 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-008-0484-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-008-0484-x

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