Spinal MRI finding in patients with signs and symptoms of radiculopathy in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to retrospectively assess spinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings in patients with sign and symptoms of radiculopathy in Sokoto and its environs. MRI is generally more sensitive for depicting intrathecal pathology and soft tissue changes than plain radiography and computed tomography. Method: We retro spec lively retrieve die biodata, clinical information, MRI images and the radiologists' reports of 133 (one hundred and thirty three patients) from June 2010 to May 2011.The patients' age ranged from 8-70 years (mean age 42.4±SD12.7).The sex distribution of the patients was 76(57.1%) males and 57(42.9%) females. All the patients were referred from Neurosurgical, Neurology and Orthopedic units of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto and other Tertiary institutions. They presented with signs and symptoms of spinal pathologies. The patients had MRI of the spine using 0.2Tesla MRI machine by GE (General Electric).The data generated was analyzed using SPSS version 17.

Results: The patients' age ranged from 8-70 years (mean age 42.4±SD12.7) 76(57.1%) males and 57(42.9%) females. The commonest spinal MRI finding in this study was disc prolapse in 87(63%) patients. 19(14.3%) of the patients had normal spine. Pott's disease and spinal cord involvement following trauma were noted in 7(5.3%) each. Spinal meningioma was also documented in 1(0.8%) patient in this study. Spinal fracture from trauma and cases of spondylosis were noted in 6(4.5%) patients each. Conclusion: Magnetic Resonance Imaging of patients with signs and symptoms of spinal disease revealed a high prevalence of spinal abnormalities. In view of the high yield from MRI examination. We suggest MRI as the first imaging modality for the assessment of jpected spinal pathologies.