A Study of the Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of T2-Weighted Hyperintensities in Spinal Cord in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India.

Background T2-weighted hyperintensities in the spinal cord are crucial markers for diagnosing a range of spinal cord pathologies. This study explores the prevalence, causes, and implications of these hyperintensities in patients with spinal cord injuries at a tertiary care hospital in Central India. The research aims to assess the utility of MRI in detecting T2-weighted hyperintensities in the spinal cord and to analyze the associated clinical and radiological characteristics. Materials and methods A prospective observational study was conducted involving patients referred to the Department of Radiodiagnosis at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH), Sawangi (Wardha), with suspected or confirmed spinal cord injuries. Advanced MRI techniques, including T2-weighted imaging, were used for the evaluation. The study analyzed demographic data, clinical features, and MRI findings to identify common causes and patterns of T2-weighted hyperintensities. Results The study revealed that T2-weighted hyperintensities were present in 54 (72%) MRI scans of patients with spinal cord pathologies at our tertiary care hospital in Central India. Among these, multiple sclerosis was the most frequent diagnosis, accounting for 27 (35%) cases. Traumatic spinal cord injuries were observed in 25% (n=19) of patients, while transverse myelitis was found in 15 (20%). The remaining 15 (20%) included a variety of other conditions, such as infections and tumors. The extent and distribution of T2-weighted hyperintensities varied significantly among different diagnoses, with multiple sclerosis and transverse myelitis demonstrating a more extensive involvement compared to trauma-related cases. Conclusion MRI is a valuable tool for diagnosing and understanding the underlying causes of spinal cord hyperintensities. The study highlights the need for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches based on MRI findings to improve patient outcomes in spinal cord injuries.