Presentation
Weakness of the lower limbs.
Patient Data
The MRI sequences demonstrate an intramedullary lesion of central location extending from T1-T2 to T6-T7 level of low signal intensity on T1WI, high signal intensity on T2WI/STIR with marked and relatively well-defined heterogeneous enhancement following IV contrast. Note that the abnormal high T2 signal and syrinx extend above the tumor up to the bulbomedullary junction and below up to the conus medullaris.
Case Discussion
MRI features of a spinal cord tumor (ependymoma vs astrocytoma)
The central location, low on T1WI, well-defined enhancement as well as the presence of syrinx are more common in ependymoma than in astrocytoma.
Additional contributor: R. Bouguelaa, MD