Spine MRI results?

[sallydj]

Hello, I am a 31 yr old female with back pain that at time radiates to the right side abdominal, and down leg. The pain is much worse at night while trying to lie down. This is my MRI results. My GP did not explain much of this and is sending me to a neurosurgeon.  My question is can you help me intemperate the results and tell my why he is sending me to a neurosurgeon. My appt with surgeon is not for several weeks and I would appreciate any info thanks!


Vertebral body: normal height with no evidence of compression fracture. Within the posterior aspect of the T8 vertebral body. There is a focal lesion of increased T2 and decreased T1 signal which shows homogeneous enhancement following contrast. The lesion measures 15 x 8 mm.  Tiny extensions of the lesion extending toward the pedicles, and there is slight flattening of the posterior cortex with thin enhancement of the overlying epidural space. No lesion was seen on prior CT.

There is a begin hemangioma in the T9 vertebral body. Degenerative endplate changes are noted T6 through T12

Intervertebral disc: There is a small right paracentral protrusion at the T7-T8 resulting mild effacement of the right aspect of the thecal sac. No significant foramina narrowing. Probable perineural  cyst on the right T11-T12 which contacts the exiting nerve root at this level.

Impression:
1. Nonspecific T8 vertebral body lesion as described above. This may represent an atypical hemangioma, thought other neoplasms cannot excluded. Dedicated nuclear bone scan is recommended.

2.finding compatible with typical begin hemangioma in the T9

3. Small disc protrusion at the T7-T8 with no significant central canal or foramina narrowing

4. Perinural cyst in the right T11-T12 neural foramen as above.

[sallydj]

Hello, thanks for the reply. I am in so much pain I don't know how I'm supposed to wait a month just to talk to the nerosurgen. One thing I didn't mention is while the pain is horrible while lieing down, when I'm up right and move my neck (mostly down) its also causes intense back pain, not in the neck. This causes abdominal and chest muscles to tense up and hurt almost like a spasam. Is the pain most likely coming from the lesion or the cyst? Thanks!

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

The MRI describes,  
1. A lesion at the 8th thoracic vertebra possibly representing a benign haemangioma, though the possibility of neoplasms cannot be ruled out and further investigations have been suggested
2. A haemangioma at the 9th thoracic vertebra.
3. An intervertebral disc narrowing at T7/ T8 vertebra lying close to the covering of the spinal cord.
4. A cyst at T11/ T12 causing compression of the exiting spinal nerve.
          Since there is compression of the nerve root a surgical intervention to relieve pressure from the nerve root would be required, for which a neuro-surgical consul has been sought.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!