Imaging of syringomyelia

MRI is the best imaging method to evaluate syringomyelia. It is important t o study from the posterior cranial fossa to the sacro-lumbar region and als o the supra-tentorial structures. This complete analysis is essential to classify the syringomyelia and to in vestigate other associated malformations. Radiographs and CT scan are usefu l to analyze bone structures For MRI, the new sequences with phased-array c oils ave also very important to study the entire spinal cord and the poster ior fossa. It is essential to study the spinal cord with sagittal and axial spin echo T1 and fast spin echo T2 weighted images with sometimes coronal view, parti cularly when the patient presents a scoliosis, to have a correct morphologi cal and functional evaluation MRI gives an excellent study of the spinal co rd with an excellent analysis of a primitive or foraminal syringomyelia, bu t also traumatic, infectious or post arachnoiditis syringomyelia. Spin echo T1 weighted images with injection of gadolinium can be used if an intra-medullary tumor is suspected. MRI is also useful for the post-operat ive follow up to evaluate the persistence of the medullary cyst and the enl argement of the foramen magnum.