Epidural venous congestion

Last revised by Rohit Sharma on 11 Mar 2023

Epidural venous congestion represents the pathological dilatation of the spinal epidural venous plexus, and is typically a complication of other pathologies. 

Radiculopathy caused by the dilated epidural veins is not uncommon 1

Several spinal and pelvic diseases can result in secondary epidural venous engorgement:

As the vertebral venous system is valveless, extraspinal venous congestion can rapidly involve these veins 1

MRI is the method of choice for imaging spinal epidural venous plexus pathology. Axial and sagittal plane T2-weighted sequences usually clearly demonstrate the engorged epidural veins and effacement of CSF spaces 1,2. The distended venous plexus should not be mistaken for mass, disc herniation, or arteriovenous fistulisation. 

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