An expansile intramedullary mass arises from the spinal cord and extends from the T11 to L4/5 vertebral levels. It demonstrates isointense T1 signal and hyperintense T2 cord signal compared with normal cord.
Avid enhancement throughout the mass, with only small regions of non/less prominent enhancement. Scalloping of the posterior lumbar vertebral bodies, particularly L2-L4, with the tumour extruding through and widening the lumbar neural exit foramen bilaterally from T12-L3 (most prominent at L3).
The lesion has maximal dimensions of 34mm (trans) x 16mm (AP) at the L2 vertebral level.
No evidence of haemorrhage into or surrounding the tumour. Enhancing serpentine vessels along the lower thoracic spinal cord suggest venous hypertension.
There is straightening of the normal lumbar lordosis.
Bone marrow signal is normal at all levels.
Bilateral extrarenal pelvis and hydroureteronephrosis.
Conclusion:
Enhancing, well-circumscribed intramedullary lower thoracic/lumbar spinal cord mass is most likely a myxopapillary ependymoma, although the extensive intramedullary component is unusual. An ependymoma is another albeit less likely possibility. Given the inferior extension, an astrocytoma is thought unlikely (unless within a low lying conus - note no Chiari), as are schwannomas (which should enhance vividly).