MRI findings in herniation of the spinal cord

Abstract

Herniation of the spinal cord is a rare condition that causes non specific neurological deficits that are often a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. Despite several reports in the neurosurgical literature, it is only recently that the imaging appearances of this condition have come to be recognised, due mainly to the widespread adoption of spinal MRI. It is important for radiologists to recognise the telltale MRI features of this condition, as several cases have undergone initial misdiagnosis, resulting in delayed treatment  We present a case with typical imaging features to familiarise radiologists with this condition, as it is likely that more cases will come to the fore, with more spinal MRIs being performed.