MRI Contribution in the Diagnosis of Non-Traumatic Medular Compressions at the Mali Hospital of about 179 Cases

Slow spinal compressions are due to the development of an expansive process in the spinal canal. It is a very common pathology, the diagnosis of which is mainly clinical. However, magnetic resonance imaging occupies an essential place in the site diagnosis and etiological research in the management. Non-traumatic spinal cord compression is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency, requiring early and appropriate management. MRI is the benchmark imaging examination for this pathology. No similar previous MRI study in Mali. We undertook this work with the aim to determine the place of MRI in the diagnosis of spinal cord compressions in Mali hospital. Method and Patients: This was a descriptive retrospective study, carried out at the hospital’s medical imaging department from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 (02 years). It involved all patients, regardless of sex and age, sent for an MRI examination of the spine, and in whom spinal cord compression was diagnosed. We used a 0.35T low-field MRI machine with solid-state antennas. Results: We collected 179 cases of spinal cord compression MRI out of 585 spinal MRI performed, (frequency of 30.59%). The average age was 53.5 years with a male predominance (sex ratio 3.7). Motor disorders were the most common reason for examination (41%). We used the T1 T2 sagittal and T2 axial sequences. IV injection of gadolinium was performed in 48% of patients. The topographic lesions were: cervical (54.7%), thoracic (31.3%) and several segments (9.5%). The lesions concerned the compartments: extradural (79.3%), intradural (4.5%), and intramedullary (16.2%). The processes were degenerative (57.5%). tumorous (29.6%), infectious (12.3%) and vascular (0.6%). Conclusion: MRI is the benchmark imaging test for the management of non-traumatic spinal cord injury. Myelo-CT can be an alternative in the absence or in case of MRI contraindication.

Screening of Foot at Risk in Diabetic Patients

Introduction: The term “diabetic foot” refers to all conditions that affect the foot and are directly related to the impact of diabetes. Objective: Screen the foot at risk in diabetic patients at the hospital of Mali. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study from January 1st, 2016 to June 30, 2016, at the Department of Internal Medicine and endocrinology of the Hospital of Mali. It was focused on all hospitalized diabetic patients. Results: Thirty-two (32) patients had a foot at risk among 76 diabetic patients during the study period representing 42.10%. The sex ratio was 0.52. Type 2 diabetes accounted for 82%. A glycemic imbalance (HBA1C > 7%) was observed in 88.15%. Eighteen percent (18%) of patients had a history of ulceration or amputation;33% were walking barefoot;78.9% had tingles in the foot;31.6% had intermittent claudication;64.5% had foot cleanliness;8% claw toes;42% had abolition or reduction of superficial tenderness to monofilament and 21% had mixed foot (neuropathy + arteriopathy). In our study, 58.9% of patients had no risk of podiatry. Conclusion: Screening of foot at risk is essential in the management of diabetes because it determines the podiatric risk enabling to minimize future functional disabilities.