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MR cisternography/myelography of post-traumatic spinal CSF fistulae and meningeal lesions in small animals

Background The diagnosis of post-traumatic spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulae due to dural tears or lesions remains a challenge. Thus far, CT myelography is the standard test used to diagnose these complications. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic ability of gadolinium-enhanced MR cisternography/myelography (intrathecal gadopentate dimeglumine or Gd-DTPA) in small animals that had experienced accidental spinal trauma. Material and Methods Four dogs and one cat suffered traumatic accidents resulting in neurological deficits underwent spinal MRI with intrathecal Gd-DTPA after routine plain films and MR images. Results T2-weighted SE images showed high water content in the epidural space or in the surroundings of the vertebrae in four animals. MR myelography revealed CSF leakage in all of them. In two animals CSF leaks were observed exuding from the spinal canal and tracking towards adjacent loose fat and interfascial planes. In two other animals Gd-DTPA extravasation was diffusely collected in paraspinal tissues around the vertebral arch. In the fifth animal a focal pseudomeningocele was observed adjacent to the traumatized region. Conclusion Intrathecal administration of Gd-DTPA is an effective method to reveal and confirm post-traumatic spinal CSF fistulae or other dural lesions in animals with potential application in humans.