Noncontrast MRI cervical spine search pattern

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine is a very commonly encountered test which can be performed for a variety of indications, including degenerative disease, trauma, demyelinating disease, and metastatic disease. Most of these cases will be done without contrast, as most of the information is there on a non-contrast exam.

This video will walk you through a step-by-step approach to evaluating an MRI of the cervical spine. The optimal approach is to use select sequences to evaluate each part of the study in the following order:

Alignment
Vertebral bodies
Marrow signal
Intervertebral discs
Spinal cord/canal
Soft tissues
Individual levels

Each sequence in the study has strengths at looking at one or more of these things. As we walk through, we’ll take a look at how to use each one.

The level of this lecture is appropriate for medical students, junior residents, and trainees in other specialties who have an interest in neuroradiology or may see patients with spine diseases.

See this and other videos on our Youtube channel.