MR of parenchymal spinal cord signal change as a sign of active advancement in clinically progressive posttraumatic syringomyelia

Extensive MR signal change in the craniad spinal cord parenchyma was found to be an ancillary sign of disease advancement in three patients with clinically progressive posttraumatic syringomyelia. This craniad margin of parenchymal spinal cord T2 hyperintensity resolved after cystoperitoneal shunt placement. There was a concomitant reduction or disappearance of the cyst in each instance, a halt in the progression of neurologic deficit, and some reversal of signs and symptoms.