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

MRI Signs of Epidural Space (ES) Pathology

Direct Signs-
Expansion of epidural space, Infiltration of epidural fat, Obstructed CSF column. Extension into nerve root canals.

Indirect Signs-
Increased intrapedicular distance, vertebral expansion or destruction, paravertebral soft tissue mass, displacement of spinal cord or thecal sac.
Additional signs on MR myelography include: Smooth surface of the compressed CSF column due to dural interposition between epidural lesion and CSF, complete obstruction or paint brush appearance to the CSF column.

  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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