There is T2 mildly hyperintense, T1 hypointense mildly enhancing lesion within the central inner aspect of the left C7 lamina. This has a maximum transverse diameter of 9.3 mm. This is contiguous with an extraosseous cystic component in the left posterolateral aspect of the spinal canal measuring 6 mm AP x 5.7 mm transverse. The latter exhibits T2 central hyperintensity with a rim of hypointensity and demonstrates rim of enhancement. On the correlative CT images, the extraosseous intraspinal canal component shows a rim of incomplete calcification. The adjacent left C7/T1 facet joint shows degenerative changes with severe loss of disc space height and subchondral sclerosis. Consequently there is moderate compression of the left hemicord at C7 level.
IMPRESSION:
There is partly osseous partly extraosseous cystic lesion related to left C7 lamina with moderate compression of the left hemicord at C7. The imaging appearances are most probably of a degenerative intraspinal cyst (subchondral cyst versus a ganglion).