Search

Study design:Prospective study.Objective:To ascertain the prevalence of posterior circulation stroke in traumatic chronic spinal cord injured (SCI) patients and associated traumatic vertebral artery injuries (VAI).Methods:All adult patients with cervical SCI and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A or B referred for follow-up magnetic resonance imaging of their spinal cord were invited to take part in the study between January 2010 and December 2012 at the National Spinal Injury Centre. Two additional sequences were added to the existing imaging protocol to evaluate the brain and vertebral arteries.Results:Ninety-eight patients were recruited. All imaging were analysed independently by three consultant radiologists. Posterior circulation infarcts were noted in seven (7%) patients. Significant VAI was noted in 13 patients (13%) with 10 occlusions and 3 with high-grade stenosis. However, only one patient had co-existent posterior circulation infarct and significant VAI.Conclusion:There is an increased prevalence of posterior circulation infarction in SCI patients. The relationship with associated traumatic VAI requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Retrospective case series.Objectives:To evaluate the efficacy of body computed tomography (CT) in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with sepsis.Setting:Specialist acute care and rehabilitation SCI centre in United Kingdom.Methods:Patients with SCI and suspected or known sepsis, who had CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, over a 4-year period, were identified. Only patients who fulfilled the definition of sepsis or severe sepsis were included. Their medical notes and CT scans were reviewed and clinical outcomes and radiological findings recorded.Results:Twenty-two patients with sepsis were identified including seven categorised as having severe sepsis. A specific radiological diagnosis was found in three patients (14%) and non-specific findings were found in 15 patients (68%).Conclusion:Although in the majority of cases, the findings were non-specific, a small number of patients had significant pathology identified by CT, which influenced their management significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Pictorial review.Objectives:To illustrate MRI signs of acute and subacute injury with emphasis on evidence-based links to clinical outcome and implications for treatment.Methods:Description of important aspects of MRI techniques and illustration of critical MRI signs important in the assessment of spinal cord injury following trauma, in the acute and subacute stages.Conclusions:Familiarity with cord MRI appearances has an important impact on planning the management of the acutely spinal cord injured patient and also identifying complications in the subacute phase particularly in the presence of neurological deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]