This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Ryan, A G Articles by Hourihan, M D Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Ryan, A G Articles by Hourihan, M D

Are T₁ weighted images helpful in MRI of cervical radiculopathy?

Departments of ¹ Neuroradiology and ² Epidemiology, Statistics and Public Health, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff ¹ CF14 4XW and ² CF14 4XN, UK

MRI in patients with cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy usually includes T₁ weighted (T₁W) and T₂ weighted (T₂W) images. We prospectively examined a hypothesis that T₂W alone is sufficient to diagnose the cause of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy and that the T₁W sagittal images do not provide additional useful information. 30 patients presenting with a history of cervical radiculopathy with or without myelopathy were prospectively assessed by MRI. Those with a history suggestive of intrinsic primary cord disease or who had previously had surgery were excluded. Two neuroradiologists, blinded to the clinical information, separately viewed the sagittal and axial T₂W images alone, and at a later time, the full set of T₁W and T₂W images. Image quality, location and severity of disease and confidence of diagnosis at each level were scored on 4- or 5-point scales. The T₁ sequences did not demonstrate any significant lesions not already seen on the T₂W images alone. The T₁W sequence may safely be omitted in patients with radiculopathy.