MRI
There is an ovoid mass seen within the lumbar canal centred at the L1 level but extending to the lower aspect of the T12 vertebral body and the upper aspect of L2 vertebral body. The lesion is separate and eccentric to the conus which is distorted and compressed left laterally. T2 signal abnormality is evident with conus. The mass demonstrates reasonably homogeneous enhancement other than a central irregular area of non-enhancement. The mass has heterogeneous, predominantly bright signal on T2-weighted images and intermediate signal on T1-weighted images. No evidence of other enhancing nodules within the lumbar canal. No definite flow-voids are identified.
There is a dextroscoliosis of the lumbar spine. Moderately severe degenerative disc disease is seen at L5/S1 and L2/3. Multilevel facet degenerative disease.
Conclusion:
Intradural, extramedullary mass centred at the L1 level, compressing the conus. A myxopapillary ependymoma is the favoured aetiology of the mass. Less likely differential diagnoses include neurogenic tumour and less likely paraganglioma.