Abstract:
Imaging (MRI) in Nigeria as a whole and in Jos in
particular has added to the arsenal of valuable diagnostic
tools in medical practice in this part of the world, with an
increasing scope of its use. The aim of this study is to
determine the indications, age range of patients
investigated and findings on MRI at the Jos University
Teaching Hospital.
Methods: A retrospective review of MRI investigations
performed at the Jos University Teaching Hospital over an
eighteen month period (May 2010-October 2011)
Results: There were 161 MRI investigations carried out
during the study period. Of these, 136 were patients from
within the index hospital while 25 were referrals from
outside. A total number of 90 males (55.9%) and 71
females (44.1%) were investigated. The overall mean age
Abstract
of patients was 42.5±16.9 years with a range of 2-73
years. The major indications for MRI are seizure disorder:
17(10.6%), suspected lumbar spondylosis: 16(10%),
suspected intracranial space occupying lesion: 14(8.8%),
and cerebrovascular accident: 11(6.9%). The highest
findings on MRI were normal: 48(30%) and degenerative
disc disease: 26(16.1%).
Conclusion: Normal findings were mostly seen in MRI
brain studies. Degenerative disc disease was mostly seen
in MRI spine investigations.
