Intramedullary tuberculomas: MR findings in seven patients

Abstract

Hypo- or iso-intensity on T2WI within the spinal cord with surrounding hyperintense oedema is suggestive of intramedullary tuberculomas. Central hyperintensities are also detected at times due to a variable amount of caseous necrosis with liquefaction. On T1WI, fusiform swelling of the cord is seen along with iso- to hyperintense foci, surrounded by hypointense oedema of the cord. Such findings should prompt a contrast-enhanced study, which may show single or conglomerate disc- or ring-enhancing lesions. MR thus plays an important role not only in detection and diagnosis, but also in deciding the treatment options and in the follow-up of those patients.