Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques of the spine and spinal cord in children and adults

ABSTRACT: In this article, we illustrate the main advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques used for imaging of the spine and spinal cord in children and adults. This work focuses on daily clinical practice and aims to address the most common questions and needs of radiologists. We will also provide tips to solve common problems with which we were confronted. The main clinical indications for each MR technique, possible pitfalls and the challenges faced in spine imaging because of anatomical and physical constraints will be discussed. The major advanced MRI techniques dealt with in this article are CSF, (cerebrosopinal fluid) flow, diffusion, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), MRA, dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted perfusion, MR angiography, susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), functional imaging (fMRI) and spectroscopy. TEACHING POINTS: • DWI is essential to diagnose cord ischaemia in the acute stage. • MRA is useful to guide surgical planning or endovascular embolisation of AVMs. • Three Tesla is superior to 1.5 T for spine MR angiography and spectroscopy. • Advanced sequences should only be used together with conventional morphological sequences.