This diagnostic image consists of two MRI views of the cervical spine illustrating a dorsal intradural-extramedullary cystic lesion. (a) A sagittal T2-weighted MRI demonstrates a large, hyperintense cystic cavity extending from the cervicocranial junction to the level of the T4 vertebral body. Open arrows highlight the dorsal location of the cyst, which causes significant anterior displacement of the cervical spinal cord (myelon). Intramedullary hyperintensities, consistent with myelopathy, are visible at the C4/5 and C6/7 levels. (b) An axial T2*-weighted image at the cervical level shows the relationship between the hyperintense mass and the neural structures. A triangle marker points to a distinct thick membrane separating the cystic lesion from the spinal cord, while a filled arrow indicates intrinsic myelopathy signal changes within the cord parenchyma. This case illustrates the radiological features of a spinal arachnoid cyst and its secondary effects on the spinal cord, useful for neurology and neurosurgery education.

This diagnostic image consists of T2-weighted sagittal MRI views of the cervical spine, demonstrating multiple space-occupying lesions. The most prominent finding is a well-circumscribed, hyperintense extramedullary mass located at the C6-C7 level (indicated by white arrows). This lesion causes significant posterior-to-anterior displacement and compression of the spinal cord, nearly obliterating the subarachnoid space at this segment. A second, more subtle area of hyperintensity is visible within the cervical cord at a higher level, suggesting an intramedullary component or additional lesion. The vertebral bodies and disc spaces appear relatively preserved, focusing the pathology on the spinal canal. These findings are clinically significant for evaluating neurofibromatosis or multiple schwannomas, as they illustrate the relationship between extramedullary tumors and spinal cord compression (myelopathy). The images are optimized for neurosurgical planning and neuroradiology education.

This diagnostic imaging panel displays T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the thoracic spine, highlighting a significant intradural extramedullary lesion. (A) Sagittal view: A hyperintense, spindle-shaped lesion is visible in the posterior aspect of the spinal canal, spanning the T2 to T4 vertebral levels. The mass causes notable ventral displacement and compression of the spinal cord. (B) Axial view at the T3 level: The lesion (indicated by a yellow arrow) occupies the dorsal aspect of the intradural space, resulting in severe compression and flattening of the cord. (C) Axial view at the T1 level: Increased intramedullary signal intensity is observed within the spinal cord, suggestive of perilesional edema or compressive myelopathy. The images demonstrate the visual findings of a thoracic spinal tuberculoma, emphasizing the mass effect on neural structures and secondary cord changes. Educational focus includes localizing intradural extramedullary pathologies and recognizing radiological signs of spinal cord compression.

This diagnostic image is a T2-weighted sagittal MRI of the thoracic spine, highlighting the anatomical region between the upper thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. A white arrow points to an intraspinal, intradural mass located at the T4 vertebral level. The lesion exhibits altered signal intensity compared to the surrounding spinal cord tissue, characterized by a slightly hyperintense appearance. Morphologically, the mass is elongated and irregular, causing focal compression or displacement of the cord. The superior aspect of the spinal cord adjacent to the lesion shows signs of myelopathic changes, evidenced by intramedullary signal hyperintensity. The surrounding vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs maintain normal vertical alignment and signal characteristics for this imaging modality. Clinically, this imaging illustrates a rare spinal pathology, such as a spinal arachnoid web, emphasizing the diagnostic importance of MRI in evaluating myelopathy and intradural extramedullary lesions in the thoracic spine for neurosurgical planning.