Paraganglioma of the thoracic spine: surgical planning. There is a well-defined enhancing left paraspinal mass that spans the T7 through T9 levels and measures approximately 5 cm in the anteroposterior dimension, 3 cm in width, and 8 cm in length. The tumor abuts the posterior aspect of the aorta, which is otherwise not encased. There is no evidence of tumor extension into the neural foramina or spinal canal. The vertebral column alignment is within normal limits. The vertebral body and disc space heights are preserved. The vertebral bone marrow signal is unremarkable. There is no significant spinal canal stenosis. The spinal cord displays normal signal and morphology.
A well-defined enhancing left paraspinal mass that spans the T7 through T9 levels and measures approximately 5 cm in the anteroposterior dimension, 3 cm in width, and 8 cm in length. The tumor abuts the posterior aspect of the aorta, which is otherwise not encased. There is no evidence of tumor extension into the neural foramina or spinal canal.