ABSTRACT
Objective To increase the ability to recognize the characteristic MRI features of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the spinal cord. Methods Fifteen patients with MS underwent MR examination of the cervical spine. The MS plaques were evaluated for lesion location, length,size on cross-section and lesion enhancement. MRI features of intraspinal tumor of spinal cord, cervical spondylopathy of myeloid form and transverse myelitis were analyzed and compared. Results The lesion mainly developed in cervical cord in the 15 patients. The lesions were less than five vertebra body in length. MRI features showed that involved cord segment was mild swollen with smooth periphery in sagittal section;the plaques showed iso-mild hypointense on T 1WI and hyperintense on T 2WI; the plaques were located peripherally and occupied less than 50%of the cross-sectional area of the cord; the lesions in active stage were enhanced by Gd-DTPA or no enhancement, the enhanced size of plaque was smaller than the extent showing hyperintense on T 2WI. The case of several onset showed various enhancement. Conclusion MS of spinal cord has characteristic feature on MRI, this can provide reliable proof for clinical diagnosis.