Total Spine and Posterior Fossa Mri Screening in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (177 Cases)



Etemadifar MR^{1, 2} ; Mobini B¹ ; Behtash H¹ ; Ameri E¹
Source: Journal of Research in Medical Sciences Published:2005

Abstract

Background: MRI screening for idiopathic scoliosis is controversial. Considering our clinical experiences, the results of MRI in all patients with idiopathic scoliosis were evaluated. Methods: In a prospective clinical study, all neurologically normal patients with idiopathic scoliosis screened by posterior fossa and total spine MRI. Results: After excluding 9 patients for mild neurological findings, in other 177 patients (132 female, 45 male), the average age and curve angle was 15±2 years and 59±17° (30 to 135°), respectively. Convexity was to right in 146 and to left in 31 cases. MRI was positive in 12 cases (6.8%). In 5 cases (2.8%), neurosurgical intervention was necessary prior to scoliosis surgery. There was no relation between age, sex, presence of pain or curve angle and positive MRI findings (P>0.05). Left convexity was significantly related to positive MRI findings (P=0.013). In males with left convex curves, the probability of positive MRI findings was 8.8 folds other patients. Conclusion: Considering our results and other reported articles, it seems that routine MRI screening of all patients presenting as idiopathic scoliosis is necessary for detection of underlying pathologies.