MRE Evaluation for Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery: Stiffness and Adhesion Assessment

Preoperative Evaluation of Tumor Stiffness and Adhesion in Spinal Cord Tumor Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography

In spinal cord tumors requiring surgical intervention, the resection difficulty is determined by two significant factors: tumor stiffness and adhesion to surrounding tissue.

The stiffness of the tumor dictates the complexity of removal, while strong adhesion presents additional challenges during the surgical procedure.

This clinical trial aims to assess the clinical utility of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), in evaluating the stiffness and adhesion of spinal cord tumors and guiding surgical planning to selecting the most appropriate surgical approach for patients with spinal cord tumors.

Spinal cord tumors are a common condition in neurosurgery, including neurofibroma, spinal meningioma, ependymoma, glioma, spinal lipoma, and so on.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in the preoperative evaluation and planning of spinal cord tumor surgery. It provides detailed information about the tumor's location, size, and relationship to adjacent structures.

However, routine MRI may not always provide sufficient information about the tumor's stiffness or adhesion, which can impact surgical planning and postoperative outcomes. Magnetic resonance elastography and slip interface imaging can help measure the mechanical properties of tissues, including their stiffness or adhesion.

By combining the above methods, surgeons can identify areas of potential tumor adherence or invasion into surrounding structures, allowing for more precise surgical resection and minimizing the risk of damage to critical neural tissue.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients undergoing spinal cord tumor resection surgery are eligible for inclusion in the study cohort.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with metallic implants or foreign bodies in their bodies (pacemakers, artificial metallic heart valves, metal joints, metal implants, and those who cannot remove dentures, insulin pumps, or contraceptive rings)
• Pregnant women in the first trimester (within three months)
• Patients with severe claustrophobia or anxiety
• Patients with severe fever
• Patients who can not tolerate MRE
• Patients with vascular malformations and aneurysms.
• Patients who do not sign an informed consent