There are increased intramedullary spinal cord signals, predominantly involving the central grey matter, from T8-T9 level down to the conus medullaris on T2-weighted and STIR sequences. In some segments, the abnormal intramedullary signals exhibit an owl's eye appearance. There is some degree of spinal cord expansion. Associated aortic dissection is demonstrated.
The spine shows degenerative osseous changes. Schmorl's node is seen at the superior endplate of the T11 vertebra. Disc desiccation is noted at T3-T4 and T10-T11 levels. There is multilevel ligamentum flavum hypertrophy with moderate spinal canal narrowing at T10-T11.
Incidentally, there is bilateral pleural effusion and abnormal signals, possibly consolidations and/or atelectasis, in both lungs.