MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is considered the imaging study of choice in identifying Tarlov cysts.
MRI provides better resolution of tissue density, absence of bone interference, multiplanar capabilities, and is noninvasive.
Plain films may show bony erosion of the spinal canal or of the sacral foramina
On MRI pictures, the signal is the same as the CSF one.

If MRI made with a contrast medium:
The signal in the cyst is the same as in the dural bag.

The signal for cysts due to traumas…is a little stronger at the periphery or nerve root location
The signal is more important for other causes: synovial cysts, dermoïdes or épidermoïdes cysts, teratomes
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is considered the imaging study of choice in identifying Tarlov cysts. MRI provides better resolution of tissue density, absence of bone interference, multiplanar capabilities, and is noninvasive. Plain films may show bony erosion of the spinal canal or of the sacral foramina
On MRI pictures, the signal is the same as the CSF one.
If MRI made with a contrast medium:
The signal in the cyst is the same as in the dural bag.
The signal for cysts due to traumas…is a little stronger at the periphery or nerve root location
The signal is more important for other causes: synovial cysts, dermoïdes or épidermoïdes cysts, teratomes
Tarlov cyst