MRI in the Diagnosis of Gunshot Wounds to the Spine

Abstract

The aim: goal was to evaluate the possibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including contrast-enhanced (СЕ) in the diagnosis of lesions of the spinal cord neural structures in gunshot wounds of the spine, at the stage of specialized medical care. Materials and methods. The analysis of 22 patients with gunshot wounds to the spine. Patients were examined on multyslise (64 slice) computer tomograph Toshiba Aquilion 64, as well as by MRI Picker Eclipseand Toshiba Atlas with the induction of the magnetic field 1 and 1.5 Tesla. Results. MRI provides the best visualization of the spinal cord and its membranes and radicles, identification of damadged areas, to determine the level of neurological disorders and the extent of the blockade subarachnoid spaces. MRI with СЕ most informative method for studying the damage of neural structures in gunshot wounds of the spine, as reveals inflammatory changes such as postranevoy scar-adhesive epidurit, discitis and spondylitis, follow the dynamics of their authorization. The absence of radiation exposure allows dynamic observation without harm to the patient. Conclusion. Patients with gunshot wounds to the spine in need of a comprehensive high-tech ray studies to fully assess the damage to both bone and neural structures and to select the optimal strategy of surgical and conservative treatment, thereby greatly increasing the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of serious consequences.