Lumbar metastasis

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Patient Data

Age: Adult
mri

L4 has mild loss of height with low T1 and T2 bone marrow signal and post contrast enhancement. "Curtain sign" is seen on the axial slices, indicating extension into the anterior epidural space. 

Bone scan

Nuclear medicine

Corresponding increased activity in the L4 vertebral body. 

Case Discussion

Patient had a history of metastatic lung cancer.

Bronchial brushing cytology: positive for malignant cells. The cytological findings are consistent with a non-small cell carcinoma.

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