Central Canal Expansile Lesions

Imaging Characteristics

• MRI is the preferred method for evaluating spinal cord lesions, with central canal lesions typically showing T2 hyperintensity centered around the central canal, expansion of the central canal with compression of surrounding structures, and possible enhancement with contrast depending on the lesion type, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 1
• The American College of Radiology recommends MRI protocols including sagittal and axial T1 and T2-weighted sequences, and contrast enhancement to evaluate for blood-spinal cord barrier disruption 1
• Lesions may show enhancement with contrast, as noted in a study published in Brain 2