Evaluation of Cervical Spondylosis Using 0.2 Tesla Axial T2 and Axial 3d Fiesta Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequences

Evaluation of Cervical Spondylosis Using 0.2 Tesla Axial T2 and Axial 3d Fiesta Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequences.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of axial T2 and axial 3D FIESTA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences in the evaluation of cervical spondylosis. The specific objectives were to:

(i) compare the accuracy of axial T2 and axial 3D FIESTA MRI sequences in the diagnosis of cervical spondylosis.

(ii) compare the quality of images (signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio and artefact due to flow) produced from both sequences.

(iii) ascertain the association of cervical spondylosis with sex and age in the studied population. This was a cross sectional study carried out at radiology department of Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital,Sokoto.

Eighty subjects from 30 years and abovewere selected using convenience sampling method. Images of axial T2, axial T1, sagittal T1, sagittal T2 and axial 3D FIESTA sequences were acquired for each subject usinga General Electric 0.2 Tesla closed magnet MRI scanner with serial No: GE Signal “R” profile “M” HD5177477-100ss.

Axial T2 and axial 3D FIESTA images were read and were assessed qualitatively using the five point Likert scale. The images were assessed for visibility of anatomical structures, quality of image in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio and sensitivity to artefacts due to flow of fluid (blood and cerebrospinal fluid).

Also indicators of cervical spondylosis were assessed qualitatively. Statistical Package for Social Science version 21 was used in the analysis of the generated data. Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test was used to compare the quality of images produced by both sequences. Regression analysis was used to assess the association of indicators of cervical spondylosis with sex and age.

PROCEED NOW TO DOWNLOAD PAGE

INTRODUCTION

In contemporary clinical practice, neck pain according to Rana et al., (2011), is prevalent in approximately 15% of the general population. Cervical spondylosis is a disorder of the cervical spine and it is a common cause of neck pain (Takagi et al, 2001). It is characterized by chronic intervertebral disc degeneration, abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the cervical spine.

According to Okada et al., (2009), cervical spondylosis is categorized into three clinical syndromes:

• Cervical radiculopathy due to compression, stretching or angulations of the cervical nerve root.
• Cervical myelopathy due to compression compromised blood supply or recurring minor trauma to the
• Axial joint

They also state that both sexes are affected equally from the age of 50 years but the problems begin earlier in males. Sutton (2004) opines that cervical spondylosis is indicated as radial (anterior) tearing of the annulus fibrosus, loss of disc height, dehydration and fissuring of the disc and osteophytes development anteriorly in association with anterior annular tear and nerve root compression.

PROCEED NOW TO DOWNLOAD PAGE

REFERENCES

Abdulharim, J.A., Dhingsa, R., Finlay, D. B. (2003). Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine: frequency of degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc with relation to age.Clinical Radiology; 53(12): 980-984.
Alisy R., Jerry W., (2008). Farr`s physics for medical imaging Second edition, Saunder – Elsevier, Edinburgh: Pp169-195.
Bhosale P., Ma J., Choi H. (2009). Utility of the FIESTA pulse sequence in body oncologic imaging review. American Journal of Roentgenology; 192 (6): 83-95
Binder, A.1. (2007). Cervical Spondylosis and Neck Pain. British Medical Journal; 334(7592):527-531.
Boutin R. D., Steinbuch L. F., Finnesey K. (2002). Magnetic resonance imaging of degenative disease in cervical spine: Magnetic Resonance imaging clinical; 8 (3): 471 – 490.
Chavan, G.B., Babyn, P.S., Jankharia, B.C., Cheng, M., Shroff, M. (2008). Steady – state magnetic resonance imaging sequences: Physic, classification and clinical applications. Radiological Society of North America; Radiographics: The Journal of Continuing Medical Education in Radiology; 28(4).Toronto

PROCEED NOW TO DOWNLOAD PAGE

StudentsandScholarship Team.