Musculoskeletal ImagingConus medullaris syndrome
a spinal disorder occurring in
ankylosing spondylitis, in which
inflammation of the
meninges produces a dense adhesive
arachnoiditis. Embedding of the nerve roots in the thickened arachnoid membrane and formation of diverticula from the dural sac lead to erosion of the neural arch and vertebral bodies.
CT scanning and MR imaging provide diagnositic information. Findings include bone erosions in the laminae,
articular processes, and vertebral bodies in the lumbar
spine. Intrathecal contrast enhancement reveals opacification of the diverticula and absence of nerve roots owing to the adhesive arachnoiditis.
DR