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Sagittal T2, T1 & T1WI with Gd show a well-defined lesion in the L3 vertebral
body that is hyperintense on T2, hypointense on T1, and enhances with Gd.
Patient has had L4 & L5 laminectomies and L4-5 diskectomy. Enhancement is
present within the L4-5 disk. The nerve roots of the cauda equina are indistinct.
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Axial T2WI's: Nerve roots are visible within the thecal sac in image 4,
but not in the lower images (5 & 6). This is called the "empty sac sign."
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Axial T1WI's with Gd: The nerve roots enhance and are thickened. In images
8 & 9 the nerve roots are adherent to the thecal sac & the dura is thickened.
Key words: mri lumbar inflammation tumor neoplasia
Spine Diagnosis:
Chronic arachnoiditis &
incidental hemangioma