 Evaluation is limited by patient motion as well as metallic hardware in the lower lumbar spine. No acute spinal cord compression is identified. The visualized spinal cord is grossly normal in caliber. There is abnormally increased STIR signal within the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord which is nonspecific but may reflect myelomalacia or less likely artifact. Several disc bulges are noted within the cervical and thoracic spine. Cervical and thoracic vertebral body heights are grossly preserved. Several foci of increased T1 and STIR signal within the vertebral bodies are nonspecific but may reflect hemangiomas. Postsurgical changes are present within the lumbar spine including posterior fusion from L3-S1 with additional metallic susceptibility artifact at the posterior elements of L1-L2. Metallic susceptibility artifact limits evaluation of the spinal canal. However, there appears to be a process centered at L2-L3 which involves the anterior epidural space and extends into the neuroforamina which may cause cause central canal and foraminal stenosis. There is also increased T2 signal within the adjacent L2-L3 disc. There is age indeterminant moderate anterior wedging of the L3 vertebral body.
1.Limited examination due to motion and hardware-induced artifact.2.No acute spinal cord compression.3.Abnormal increased STIR signal within the lower cervical and upper thoracic cord which is nonspecific but may reflect myelomalacia. Dedicated MRI without and with intravenous contrast may be obtained as clinically warranted.4.Postsurgical changes in the lumbosacral spine.5.There appears to be a process centered at L2-L3 which involves the anterior epidural space and extends into the neuroforamina which may cause cause central canal and foraminal stenosis. There is also increased T2 signal within the adjacent L2-L3 disc. Infection is a differential consideration. Recommend dedicated lumbar spine MRI without and with intravenous contrast for further characterization.Findings discussed with HAVLIN, DOROTA at 9:00 a.m on 8/31/2015.