Abstract

In this study, we wanted to classify the spinal tumours into extradural, intradural, extramedullary and intradural intramedullary compartments and also evaluate magnetic resonance characterization of spinal tumours and narrow down the differential diagnosis. Methods: This was a hospital based descriptive study conducted among 44 patients who presented with strong clinical suspicion of spinal tumour who were subjected to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, to the Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore. The study was conducted over a period of 18 months from November 2017 to April 2019 after obtaining clearance from Institutional Ethics Committee and written informed consent from the study participants. Results: Most common spinal tumour encountered was metastasis. Most common primary spinal tumour encountered was schwannoma. Out of 44 patients, 23 had intradural extramedullary tumours, 14 had extradural tumours and 7 had intramedullary tumours. MRI detected 11 cases of cord compression. Conclusion: MRI is very sensitive and is considered as the procedure of choice for the workup of all spinal tumours. MRI is an excellent way of defining tumours of the spine. It defines anatomy and because of its ability to differentiate tissue types, can be used to characterize tumours and suggest histological diagnoses. In the current study, Magnetic resonance imaging was efficient in successfully defining the exact compartment and extent of the tumours. Contrast was useful for better delineation of the tumour and its characterization into different tissue types and was also helpful in suggesting histologic diagnoses

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