Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Pseudosyrinxes

Six patients whose post-myelographic computed tomography (CT) showed syringomyelia but whose clinical findings were not consistent were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In five of these patients no cavity was seen with MRI. A cavity was demonstrated in the sixth case but not in the region of abnormali ty on CT. MRI confirmed the clinical impression that intake of contrast into the cord did not represent a sryinx cavity. Possible causes are discussed. The term ‘pseudosyrinx’ is used for such a situation.