[MRI features of expansive processes of soft tissues. Contribution to etiologic diagnosis. Apropos of 32 cases]. / Séméiologie IRM des processus expansifs des parties molles. Apport au diagnostic étiologique. A propos de 32 observations.

This study concerns the investigation of 32 soft-tissue tumors by MRI, subsequently verified by biopsies or surgery (n = 28) or other investigations (n = 4). MRI can suggest the diagnosis in some cases: lipomas cysts, hematomas, neuromas, desmoid tumors, hemangiomas, by contrast analysis and morphologic aspects; sometimes, malignant lesions are suspected on particular anatomic criteria. MRI is excellent in the evaluation of local extension. MRI can therefore be performed when the staging of soft tissue tumor is incompletely provided by other investigations (CT or US).

[MRI of the cervical spine. Creation of a surface coil. Technical and clinical results]. / IRM du rachis cervical. Réalisation d'une antenne de surface. Résultats techniques et cliniques.

Cervical myelopathy represents a good indication for study by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The MRI examination may be performed without hospitalisation and without any pain or risk for the patient. It often gives sufficient information to decide whether to proceed with surgical intervention, after imaging on standard plain films and ever before cervical myelography. An efficient study of the cervical spinal cord requires special surface coils adapted to this region. We have developed a surface coil, working as a receiver, inductively coupled, tuned and matched all at once, and easy to use. The concave form of this coil has been studied so as to be comfortable for all patients. It can be directly connected to our Thomson CGR machines (Magniscan 5000). In continuous routine use for 6 months, without any problems, it has been found to be very reliable. We present here some results on different types of myelopathy and discuss methodological aspects concerning the choice of acquisition parameters in the examinations. The simplicity of its realisation and the low cost leads us to believe that it will be possible to construct other surface coils convenient on many other parts of the body.