General Spine

Narayan, Viswanadhan, MD
Sudhakar, Satti, MD, Non ASSR Member

Poster

Purpose

Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition that has a variety of etiologies. The etiologies range from narrowing and compression of the nerve roots of the spinal canal to mass effect in the conus terminalis from tumors or vascular malformations. As cauda equine syndrome represents a surgical emergency, it is critical that the condition be suspected early and the etiology of the condition be promptly diagnosed. Often if the patient has suffered a recent trauma, CT imaging maybe used for a rapid diagnosis of fractures compressing the nerve roots or conus. Increasing, magnetic resonance imaging is available at most institutions on an urgent or emergent basis when the diagnosis of cauda equine syndrome is clinically suspected.

There are a large spectrum of disease processes that can manifest as cauda equina syndrome such as: arterivenous malformation of the conus, epidural lipomatosis, extruded disc, osteomeylitis, metastasis in the thecal sac, inflammatory conditions such as sarcoidosis, and lymphoma.

Methods & Materials

Mutliple 1.5 and 3T MRI images were reviewed over the past five years from multiple institutions. Cases include arterivenous malformation of the conus, epidural lipomatosis, extruded disc, osteomeylitis, metastasis in the thecal sac, inflammatory conditions such as sarcoidosis, and lymphoma.

Results

We will present 7 cases to highlight the range of conditions that cause cauda equina and present key features of their MRI examinations. This is an important condition and prompt diagnosis is essential for successful management of these patients.

Conclusion

There are a wide spectrum of conditions that can lead to cauda equina syndrome. It is essential for both the radiologist and the clinician to have a thorough understanding of this disease process and its imaging characteristics. We hope that by showing the various entities that can cause this condition, a greater insight and understanding of this disease process will be obtained.

References/Financial Disclosures

no financial disclosures