Winking owl sign

Case contributed by Pauline Gammack
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Back pain. Known metastatic bladder cancer.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Male

Lumbar spine

x-ray

Destruction of the right L1 pedicle secondary to a metastatic deposit - the 'winking eye' sign. 

Note also the right ureteric stent, inserted to treat hydronephrosis secondary to bladder tumor.

Case Discussion

The winking owl due to a pedicular metastasis in the L1 vertebra.

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