Board Review 2 – Case 15

Neuroradiology board review. This lecture is geared towards the ABR core exam for residents, but it would be useful for review for the ABR certifying exam or certificate of added qualification (CAQ) exam for neuroradiology.

More description and the answer (spoiler!) are seen below the video.

This case shows a trauma patient who had a significant fall and now has lower extremity symptoms. On the MRI, there are a few compression fractures that you can see, but in addition there is T1 hyperintense fluid in the dorsal epidural space. In the setting of trauma, this is likely to be an epidural hematoma.

The diagnosis is: fracture with spinal epidural hematoma

Epidural hematoma is a dreaded complication of spine trauma that can cause worsening cord injury. It requires close monitoring and possibly surgical drainage if this may improve the symptoms. Look for intraspinal fluid collections after trauma, as they can be hard to identify.