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Arachnoiditis

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Previous spinal surgery. Ongoing back and lower limb pain.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Female
mri

MRI demonstrates characteristic appearances of arachnoiditis with an empty theca sign (cauda equina nerve roots are adherent to the margins of the dura and clumped). 

Case Discussion

Arachnoiditis is an important feature to seek in all spines, particularly those with a prior history of surgery or infection. 

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