Entzündliche Rückenmarkerkrankungen und Querschnittsmyelitis

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory spinal cord diseases are difficult to differentiate based on magnetic resonance (MR) morphological properties. However, correct diagnosis is crucial for treatment and outcome. OBJECTIVES: What MR characteristics allow correct classification? MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search for articles published in PubMed about various forms of transverse myelitis was performed. RESULTS: The length of the lesions, the level and location in the cross-section, and the enhancement pattern gives good clues for the correct diagnosis. The most important characteristics have been summarized in a table. CONCLUSIONS: In most cases, it is not possible to make a conclusive diagnosis, because many diseases overlap.