Imaging of spine disorders

Question 1

What are the classifications by location of spinal tumors

Answer 1

1) Extradural - outside of the dura
2) Intradural-Extramedullar - within the dural sheath, but outside of the spinal parenchyma.
3) Intramedullary - within the spinal parenchyma

Question 2

Extradural tumors

Answer 2

Neurofibroma

Metastases

Inflammations

Question 3

Intradural-Extramedullary tumors

Answer 3

Meningiomas - Isointense on both T1 and T2 to spinal cord. Strong contrast enhancing.

Neurinomas, Neurofibromas - along the path of nerves. Isointense with spinal cord on T1. Hyperintense on T2.

Spinal Metastases - Have intensity of the primary tumor, may be more or less than the cord.

Question 4

Intramedullary tumors

Answer 4

Astrocytomas - 
Isointense on T1
Hyperintense on T2. 
Strong contrast enhancement that may be heterogenous. 
Cause mass effects. 

Ependymomas -
Occur in childhood.
Isointense on T1, Hyperintense on T2.
Strong contrast enhancement that can be inhomogenous.