 The thoracic spine is in normal alignment, with a normal thoracic kyphosis. The vertebral body and disk heights are well-maintained. There is mild disc desiccation at multiple levels. No worrisome focal marrow signal abnormality is appreciated. The spinal cord is of normal caliber and signal. There is no pathological enhancement. Corresponding to the area of questionable abnormality at T7 level dorsal to the cord, there is an apparent linear focus which is hyperintense on T1 and hypointense on T2, which is demonstrated posterior to the spinal cord on sagittal sequences only. However, this focus was not demonstrated on axial T1 sequences and likely represents flow artifact on the axial T2-weighted sequences. In addition, postcontrast sagittal image at this level shows a probable small vessel emanating from that area which is likely contributing to this appearance.The additional more bandlike area of questionable abnormality posterior to the spinal cord at T2-T3 level is felt to be artifactual as well.There is minimal central disc protrusion at T7-T8 and T8-T9. No significant spinal canal or foraminal stenosis within the thoracic spine.
1. Small apparent linear focus at T7 level posterior to the spinal cord corresponding to the questioned abnormality, which is not demonstrated on axial T1 sequence, is favored to be artifactual. A small vessel is seen emanating from this area, which may contribute to this appearance and associated altered CSF flow.2. Additional questionable area of concern at T2-T3 level is also likely artifactual. The study is somewhat limited without axial images through the majority of the thoracic spine. If there remains clinical concern for pathology at this level, dedicated complete MRI of the thoracic spine may be obtained for a complete evaluation.