Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the thoracic spine?
What is the primary function of the thoracic spine?
- It provides articulation with the ribs. (correct)
- It allows for lateral bending.
- It houses the spinal cord.
- It supports the head.
Which vertebra does the thoracic spine extend from?
Which vertebra does the thoracic spine extend from?
- C7 (correct)
- L1
- T12
- S1
Which imaging procedure utilizes a patient's positioning supine with either head or feet first?
Which imaging procedure utilizes a patient's positioning supine with either head or feet first?
- CT scan
- MRI of the thoracic spine (correct)
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
Which of the following is NOT typically an indication for a thoracic spine MRI?
Which of the following is NOT typically an indication for a thoracic spine MRI?
What anatomical feature distinguishes thoracic vertebrae from cervical and lumbar vertebrae?
What anatomical feature distinguishes thoracic vertebrae from cervical and lumbar vertebrae?
How should the axial alignment light be positioned for an MRI thoracic spine scan?
How should the axial alignment light be positioned for an MRI thoracic spine scan?
When preparing a patient for a thoracic spine MRI, which comfort measure is NOT recommended?
When preparing a patient for a thoracic spine MRI, which comfort measure is NOT recommended?
What is a common characteristic of thoracic vertebral bodies compared to lumbar vertebral bodies?
What is a common characteristic of thoracic vertebral bodies compared to lumbar vertebral bodies?
What is the preferred patient position for an MRI of the lumbar spine?
What is the preferred patient position for an MRI of the lumbar spine?
Which accessory can be used to help flatten the lumbar curve during an MRI procedure?
Which accessory can be used to help flatten the lumbar curve during an MRI procedure?
For a coronal localizer, where should the alignment be in relation to the spinal cord?
For a coronal localizer, where should the alignment be in relation to the spinal cord?
What is the coverage area for the axial slices in a single block?
What is the coverage area for the axial slices in a single block?
What is the purpose of axial slices in the MRI procedure?
What is the purpose of axial slices in the MRI procedure?
What should be included in the coverage for a sagittal localizer's axial slice?
What should be included in the coverage for a sagittal localizer's axial slice?
Which of the following indicates a proper alignment for a sagittal localizer for a coronal slice?
Which of the following indicates a proper alignment for a sagittal localizer for a coronal slice?
What should the coverage area for the coronal slice include?
What should the coverage area for the coronal slice include?
What can sagittal slices primarily demonstrate in MRI of the thoracic spine?
What can sagittal slices primarily demonstrate in MRI of the thoracic spine?
Which statement about axial slices in thoracic spine imaging is correct?
Which statement about axial slices in thoracic spine imaging is correct?
What coverage is required when obtaining a coronal slice for thoracic MRI?
What coverage is required when obtaining a coronal slice for thoracic MRI?
Which of the following conditions is an indication for lumbar spine MRI?
Which of the following conditions is an indication for lumbar spine MRI?
Which feature is true concerning the anatomy of the lumbar spine?
Which feature is true concerning the anatomy of the lumbar spine?
Which of these imaging techniques is used specifically for tissue characterization of bone tumors in the sagittal plane?
Which of these imaging techniques is used specifically for tissue characterization of bone tumors in the sagittal plane?
What is the primary purpose of using DWI in MRI procedures?
What is the primary purpose of using DWI in MRI procedures?
Considering the coronal slices in MRI, which of the following can they effectively demonstrate?
Considering the coronal slices in MRI, which of the following can they effectively demonstrate?
Flashcards
Patient Positioning
Patient Positioning
Position the patient supine on the MRI table with proper coil setup.
Orientation for Anxious Patients
Orientation for Anxious Patients
Feet-first orientation can help reduce anxiety during MRI.
Scout Slice Placement
Scout Slice Placement
Initial imaging setup for determining optimal slice locations for the lumbar spine.
Coronal Localizer
Coronal Localizer
Used for sagittal slice alignment, parallel to spinal cord for proper coverage.
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Sagittal Slices Usage
Sagittal Slices Usage
Demonstrates vertebral alignment, canal stenosis, and end conditions.
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Axial Block Series
Axial Block Series
Technique planning for axial slices with alignment to intervertebral discs.
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Sagittal Localizer for Coronal Slice
Sagittal Localizer for Coronal Slice
Alignment parallel to the cauda equina, allowing for specific coverage.
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Coverage Specifications
Coverage Specifications
Guidelines for ensuring complete imaging of spinal levels and surrounding structures.
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Sagittal Slices
Sagittal Slices
Slices used in MRI to assess vertebral alignment and other spinal issues.
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Herniated Disc
Herniated Disc
Condition where an intervertebral disc protrudes and may compress nerves.
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Axial Slices
Axial Slices
Horizontal slices in MRI used to demonstrate conditions like canal stenosis.
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Lumbar Spine
Lumbar Spine
Lower part of the spine consisting of five vertebrae, involved in lumbar lordosis.
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Disc Prolapse
Disc Prolapse
Condition where the disc material pushes out, potentially compressing nerves.
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Chemical Shift Imaging
Chemical Shift Imaging
MRI technique to characterize tissue, especially for bone tumors.
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Indications for Lumbar MRI
Indications for Lumbar MRI
Reasons for performing MRI of the lumbar spine, such as disc prolapse and syrinx.
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Thoracic Spine (T-spine)
Thoracic Spine (T-spine)
The middle part of the vertebral column, consisting of 12 vertebrae (T1-T12).
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Function of Thoracic Spine
Function of Thoracic Spine
Provides stability and supports rib cage; most mobile spinal segment.
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Thoracic Vertebrae Features
Thoracic Vertebrae Features
Heart-shaped bodies, round canals, prominent transverse processes, long angled spinous processes.
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MRI Indications for Thoracic Spine
MRI Indications for Thoracic Spine
Conditions warranting MRI include myelopathy, herniated disc, malignancies, and multiple sclerosis.
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Patient Positioning in MRI
Patient Positioning in MRI
Patient should be supine; arms by sides or above head; feet-first for claustrophobia.
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Use of Phased Array Coil
Use of Phased Array Coil
Equipment for better imaging of the thoracic spine during the MRI scan.
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Patient Instructions During Scan
Patient Instructions During Scan
Emphasize patient's need to remain still to avoid image distortion.
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MRI of Thoracic & Lumbar Spine
- The presentation is about MRI procedures for the thoracic and lumbar spine.
- The presenter, Dr. Hayder Jasim Taher, holds a PhD in Medical Imaging.
- The study covers patient preparation, safety precautions, contrast media (positive relaxation agents, negative relaxation agents, gadolinium), anatomical overview, indications, and procedures for both the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Thoracic Spine
- The thoracic spine (T-spine) is the middle part of the vertebral column, extending from C7 (cervical spine's bottom) to L1 (lumbar spine's top).
- It consists of 12 vertebrae (T1-T12).
- The thoracic spine's unique characteristic is its articulation with ribs via costal facets, this limits some movement.
- Thoracic spine is relatively more mobile compared to the cervical and lumbar spine.
- Vertebral bodies are medium-sized, heart-shaped.
- Vertebral canals are medium-sized, round.
- Transverse processes have costal facets.
- Spinous processes angle downwards.
Indications for Thoracic Spine MRI
- Myelopathy
- Herniated disc
- Primary malignancy
- Secondary malignancy
- Radiculopathy
- Syrinx
- Benign tumor
- Multiple sclerosis
- Scoliosis
MRI Procedure (Thoracic Spine)
- Patient is placed supine on the magnet table, phased array coil is positioned and connected.
- Head or feet first positioning, depending on patient preference (claustrophobia).
- Arm placement (sides or above head) is based on patient comfort.
- Accessories like knee bolsters, blankets are used for comfort.
- Axial alignment light is placed 2 cm above xiphoid (approximately T7).
- Patient instructed not to move during the scan.
- Coronal and sagittal localizers are utilized to obtain sagittal and axial slices.
- Various sequences (e.g., Sagittal T2 FSE, Axial T2 FSE, Axial T1 Dual SE) are utilized for different imaging needs (thickness of 4mm-5mm).
- Optional sequences include chemical shift imaging (T1 GRE) for bone tumor characterization and DWI for spinal ischemia evaluation.
Lumbar Spine
- The lumbar spine (L-spine) consists of 5 vertebrae.
- In some cases, 4 or 6 lumbar vertebrae may be present.
- The lumbar spine's natural curve is convex anteriorly (lumbar lordosis).
- Facet (zygapophyseal) joints permit flexion/extension and abduction movements.
- Rotation is limited mostly to the lumbosacral joint.
Indications for Lumbar Spine MRI
- Disc prolapse with cord/nerve root compression
- Syrinx
- Discitis
- Conus evaluation (in appropriate symptomatic patients)
- Arachnoiditis
MRI Procedure (Lumbar Spine)
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Patient placed supine on the magnet table.
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Phased array coil is positioned and connected.
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Feet-first positioning might be preferred by anxious patients.
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Patient adjusted for anatomical structure of interest to be centered over the coil.
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Accessories like knee bolsters, blankets are used for optimal comfort.
-
Coronal and sagittal localizers are utilized to obtain sagittal and axial slices.
-
Various sequences (e.g., Sagittal T2 FSE, Axial T2 FSE, Axial T1 SE, Axial T1 FSE (post GAD)) are used with varied slice thicknesses ranging from 3mm to 5mm.
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Description
This presentation focuses on MRI procedures for the thoracic and lumbar spine, highlighting important aspects such as patient preparation, safety precautions, and the use of contrast media. Led by Dr. Hayder Jasim Taher, the study provides an anatomical overview and outlines the indications and procedures specific to these regions of the spine.