A common yet undescribed MRI finding in newborns: posterior epidural space edema of the cervical and upper thoracic spine.
Epidural edema
Epidural hematoma
Epidural space
Magnetic resonance imaging
Newborn
Spine
Journal
Neuroradiology
ISSN: 1432-1920
Titre abrégé: Neuroradiology
Pays: Germany
ID NLM: 1302751
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Feb 2022
Feb 2022
Historique:
received:
26
04
2021
accepted:
03
08
2021
pubmed:
20
8
2021
medline:
28
1
2022
entrez:
19
8
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Posterior spinal epidural space (PSES) is a fat-containing space. We noted numerous spinal MRIs demonstrating T2-hyperintense thickening of the cervical/thoracic PSES in early newborns, resembling epidural edema. Our aim is to describe the appearance/frequency of this finding and explore any associations with delivery. Retrospectively, 202 spinal/cranial MRIs, belonging to newborns within the first 2 weeks of life, were evaluated using sagittal fat-suppressed T2, T1-FLAIR, and STIR. Exclusion criteria were motion, incomplete spine imaging, lack of sagittal T2/STIR, and inadequate clinical data. Ninety-three patients were included in the final analysis. We reviewed all cases for T2 hyperintense thickened PSES and, if present, accompanying abnormal T1 signal. The spinal canal and PSES thickness were measured. Clinical and demographic data were collected. Follow-up exams were evaluated, if available. Cases with thickened PSES and without were compared. T2-hyperintense thickened PSES was present in 60/93 (64.5%). Mean PSES thickness was 2.3 mm (0.7-4.6). The mean PSES thickness/spinal canal diameter ratio was 0.2 (0.1-0.5). No cord compression was identified. One had a hyperintense T1 PSES signal, compatible with epidural hemorrhage. No difference was found between those with thickened PSES and without, regarding sex, gestational age, birth weight, birth method, difficult delivery, fetal position, or neurologic status (p>0.05). Follow-up imaging was available in 10, with complete resolution of T2 hyperintense PSES thickening. T2 hyperintense PSES thickening is common in imaged newborns and reversible at follow-up. No significant neurologic outcomes were found related to its presence; thus, follow-up does not appear necessary.
Identifiants
pubmed: 34409502
doi: 10.1007/s00234-021-02786-9
pii: 10.1007/s00234-021-02786-9
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
371-379Informations de copyright
© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
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