Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Histologic Study of Hypertrophic Cervical Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging and histologic features of hypertrophic cervical posterior longitudinal ligament were determined in a cervical myelopathy patient. On T1-weighted images, the thickened ligament and the prolapsed nucleus pulposus showed isointensity shadows, making it impossible to differentiate these tissues. On T2-weighted images, the thickened ligament and prolapsed nucleus pulposus were visualized at high and low intensity, respectively. Sagittal T1-weighted images after gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid injection showed obvious enhancement of the thickened ligament.