Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Spinal Tumor: A Case Series

Abstract

Background: Spinal tumors are one of the rarest tumors from the Central Nervous System. The location is essential in determining the differential diagnosis of a spinal tumor. MRI plays a central role in the imaging of spinal tumors and makes it easier to classify spinal tumors as extradural, intradural-extramedullary, or intramedullary. Thus, in this study, we provided several cases that had spinal tumor and MRI role in diagnosing the disease Case Description: This study had four cases with similar chief complaints of weakness in the lower extremity. The first case was a woman, 42 years old, with lower limb weakness for four years, without a history of trauma. The second case was a woman 26 years old with a chief complaint of weakness in her right leg over two years and a history of trauma. The third case was a man, 41 years old, with lower back pain and weakness in both of his legs since two years ago. The last case was a man, 51 years old, with lower limb weakness since eight days ago without a history of trauma. According to the physical examination of all of the patient, there was a decrease in motor strength in their lower limb, followed by sensory problems from hypoesthesia, paresthesia, anesthesia, and numbness. All of the cases underwent the Spine MRI examination. We found a solid mass in extra and intra-medullary that cause compressions to the spinal cord the spinal canal. Conclusion: In spinal tumours, a radiology examination is crucial in determining the mass's location, size, and extent. MRI is the best imaging modality because it can identify and localise tumours and classify spinal tumours as extradural, intradural-extramedullary, or intramedullary, thereby narrowing the differential diagnosis.