 Postsurgical changes of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion are noted from C5 to C6. Limited evaluation of the cervical spine demonstrates disc bulges at C3-C4, C4-C5, and C6-C7 with mild spinal canal narrowing suspected.There is T2 hyperintensity involving the left C7 nerve root and to a lesser degree the left C6 nerve root. Artifact making makes evaluation for signal abnormality involving the left C8 and T1 nerve roots difficult; however no definite signal abnormality associated is appreciated. There is a 3 to 4 cm area of ill-defined soft tissue in the left retroclavicular region above the level of the left lung apex and at the level of the left first rib without mass effect which likely represents scarring. Evidence of prior left first rib resection. The brachial plexus trunks course through this region particularly involving left C8 and T1 nerve roots, as well as the C6 and C7 nerve roots along the anterior aspect of this region. There is volume loss involving the left scalene musculature which may partly reflect surgical resection. No other masses within this region
There is a 3 to 4 cm area of soft tissue in the left retroclavicular region compatible with scarring presumably related to surgery within this region. The brachial plexus trunks, particularly the middle and inferior trunks, course through this region and may be affected. There is edema involving the left C7 nerve root and to a lesser degree the C6 nerve root. Would be helpful to compare with preoperative MRI study, if available, if this edema involving these nerve roots is new or in fact related to postoperative scarring. 