Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

5-16-2022

Publication Title

ASNR22/SNR XXII Proceedings

Abstract

Purpose The conus medullaris is the tapered, cone-shaped end of the distal thoracic spinal cord, normally terminating near the L1-2 intervertebral disc space. As a junction between the cord and the cauda equina nerve roots, the conus can present with common cord pathologies in atypical presentations, as well as present with unique, complex pathologies found nowhere else in the cord. The conus is optimally evaluated with MRI of the lumbar spine before and after the administration of contrast medium. Accurate diagnosis of lesions within the conus is complicated by the nonspecific nature of increased intramedullary signal on T2-weighted MRI imaging, inherent with many cord pathologies. However, enhancement characteristics, degree of cord edema, and extramedullary findings can provide additional information to narrow the differential diagnosis. The onus is thus on the radiologist to develop a cogent differential diagnosis for optimal patient care. In this exhibit, we present representative cases of conus medullaris lesions from our institutional archive, outlined accordingly: congenital (caudal regression syndrome, Chiari Two with tethered cord and lipomyelomeningocele, diastematomyelia), primary neoplastic (myxopapillary ependymoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, teratoma, lipoma), secondary neoplastic (metastatic breast cancer), infectious/inflammatory (Guillan-Barré Syndrome, vincristine neuritis), and vascular (conus infarct). We will also include rare pathologies, including conus infantile hemangioma, conus plasmacytic neoplasm, conus intramedullary arachnoid cyst, and hydromyelia of the terminal ventricle. Each case will include brief literature review with discussion points. After reviewing this exhibit, the participant should be able to: 1. Recognize the normal and pathological MRI appearance of the conus medullaris. 2. Develop a practical differential diagnosis for a conus medullaris lesion based on MRI signal characteristics, enhancement pattern, and relationship to clinical presentation. Materials and Methods N/A Results N/A Conclusions As a junction between the thoracic cord and the cauda equina nerve roots, the conus medullaris can present with common and unique cord pathologies. Pathologies within the cord are numerous, often complex, and difficult to delineate from each other. Thus, a thorough knowledge of the pathologies that can present in the conus medullaris is necessary to help the radiologist develop an accurate differential diagnosis, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

First Page

638

Last Page

639

Comments

Presented at American Society of Neuroradiology (ASNR) Annual Meeting, May 16-18, 2022, New York, NY.

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