Year: 2026 | Month: July | Volume: 16 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 136-144
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260714
A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Intraspinal Lesions in Tertiary Care Centre in Rural Population of North Maharashtra
Apurva Patel1, Devendra Kulkarni2, Kalpana Vyavahare3
1Junior Resident III, 2,3Associate Professor,
SMBT Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Dhamangaon, Igatpuri, Nashik.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Apurva Patel
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Intraspinal lesions comprise a diverse group of pathological conditions involving the spinal cord, meninges, nerve roots, and surrounding structures. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent irreversible neurological deficits. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice owing to its superior soft tissue contrast and multiplanar capability.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 18 months in the Department of Radio-diagnosis at a tertiary care centre serving the rural population of North Maharashtra. A total of 37 patients with clinically suspected intraspinal lesions were included. MRI examinations were performed using a 1.5 Tesla scanner with standard T1-weighted, T2-weighted, STIR, GRE, and post-contrast sequences where indicated. Lesions were evaluated for location, compartment, MRI diagnosis, and imaging characteristics.
Results: The majority of patients were aged 41–50 years (62.2%), with a slight male predominance (54.1%). The cervical spine was the most commonly involved region (62.2%). Intradural extramedullary lesions constituted 59.5% of cases, followed by intramedullary lesions (37.8%). Schwannoma was the most common MRI diagnosis (40.5%), followed by ependymoma (21.6%) and myxopapillary ependymoma (16.2%). Contrast enhancement (91.9%), perilesional edema (67.6%), and diffusion restriction (64.9%) were the predominant MRI findings. A significant association was observed between MRI diagnosis and lesion compartment (p<0.001), whereas no significant association was found with spinal region or contrast enhancement pattern.
Conclusion: MRI is a highly reliable, non-invasive imaging modality for the detection, localization, characterization, and compartment-based classification of intraspinal lesions. It plays a pivotal role in accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical management, particularly in rural tertiary care settings.
Key words: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Intraspinal lesions; Schwannoma; Intradural extramedullary lesions; Spinal tumors.