Expansion of the cord
- consider neoplastic
Minimal or no expansion
- consider other causes
Most common tumours:
- adults: ependymoma, astrocytoma, haemangioblastoma (VHL), lymphoma, mets
- children: astrocytoma, ependymoma, haemangionlastoma, lymphoma
ependymomas tend to be more central, well-demarcated, haemorrhage, cysts
astrocytomas tend to be more peripheral, infiltrative
T2 hyperintensity
- less than 2 vertebral bodies > demyelination (especially if multiple)
- more than 2 vertebral bodies > transversse myelitis (viral, SLE, paraneoplastic)
- consider sarcoidosis , radiation, infections, tb, schistosomiasis if hx relevant
if there are flow voids, haemosidirin consisder cavernomas and AVMs