Vol. 5, Issue 1 Neurographics logo Chhabra A. et al
 

Spinal Epidural Space:
Anatomy, Normal variations, and Pathological Lesions
on MR Imaging

Chhabra A, MD1; Batra K, MD1; Satti S, MD1; Patel S, MMS1; Feitell S, MMS1; Gonzales C, MD1; Faerber E, MD2; Koenigsberg RA, DO FAOCR1
1Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
2 St Christopher Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA

Introduction

Unllike its surgical counterpart in the skull, the spinal epidural space is a real space extending from foramen magnum to sacral canal. Spinal epidural space pathologies, both intrinsic or extrinsic to the epidural space have been described in scattered articles in literature. Due to the close relation of the space to the spinal cord and the nerve roots, the epidural space lesions have a special place. Since MRI is the gold standard for spine imaging, we present a comprehensive overview of the epidural space anatomy, its variations and discuss the key imaging features of major lesions on MRI. An attempt has been made to highlight various characteristics based on anatomic location, morphologic features, vascularity, and associated ancillary findings which help in differentiating benign from potentially malignant lesions. Such differentiation is important in terms of determining further follow-up imaging, appropriate patient management, and improving prognosis.

  1. Introduction
  2. Spinal Epidural Space Anatomy and Contents
  3. MRI Technique
  4. MRI Signs of Epidural Space (ES) Pathology
  5. Normal Variations and Pseudo-tumors
  6. Differential Diagnosis of Spinal Epidural Space Lesions
  7. Developmental Lesions and Tumor like masses
  8. Traumatic Lesions
  9. Degenerative Lesions
  10. Infective/Inflammatory Lesions
  11. Key Differentiating Features of Various Tumors on MRI
  12. Conclusion
  13. References

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Use of this material without written consent of the author is prohibited.

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