PMC5804627_01
a Sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hyperintensity in the thoracic cord from T8 to T11 (arrows); spinal cord infarction was suspected. b Axial MRI of the T8 spinal cord level. A hyperintense area was apparent (white arrow). c Axial MRI of the T6 spinal cord level. Normal intensity was observed (white arrow)
40981_2017_109_Fig1_HTML.jpg
PMC5804627_01_40981_2017_109_Fig1_HTML.jpg
Fig1
The MRI revealed the following: (1) There were no epidural masses, i.e., no epidural hematomas. (2) The patient exhibited yellow ligament ossification. (3) T2-weighted MRI revealed hyperintensity in the T8-T11 spinal cord region (Fig. 1a-c).
Sagittal computed tomography (CT) image of the vertebrae. The tip of the epidural tube was present at narrowest area of the spine (arrow)
40981_2017_109_Fig2_HTML.jpg
PMC5804627_01_40981_2017_109_Fig2_HTML.jpg
Fig2
In addition, a computed tomography (CT) examination revealed that the epidural catheter had been inserted at the same site where the thoracic canal stenosis was most severe (Fig. 2).
One week after the operation, sagittal MRI revealed that the hyperintense region had extended to approximately the T4 level
40981_2017_109_Fig3_HTML.jpg
PMC5804627_01_40981_2017_109_Fig3_HTML.jpg
Fig3
T4 level (Fig. 3). The patient underwent rehabilitation and regained the ability to move her lower extremities on postoperative day 30.
a Sagittal MRI on postoperative day 93 demonstrated that the hyperintense region was localized to T11. b Axial MRI of the T8 spinal cord level. Scarring of the infarction occurred, and the fluid space was extended
40981_2017_109_Fig4_HTML.jpg
PMC5804627_01_40981_2017_109_Fig4_HTML.jpg
Fig4
An MRI examination on postoperative day 93 demonstrated that the hyperintense region was localized to T11, where the thoracic canal stenosis was originally present and the epidural catheter was inserted (Fig. 4a, b).