Before I got this MRI the doctor and I had discussed the decompression surgery. I'd had an MRI 2 yrs before and he just wanted to get another to check in on things since it had been so long. When the office called with results he only said the results show chiari and he recommeneded the surgery if I still was having symptoms. He didn't mention the other two things that show abnormality. They don't seem serious, but I was wondering if anyone was able to explain what they see inC5-6 and c2-3. I know I can ask the doctor, it just takes a while to get a call back.
Thanks in advance if anyone can help me out!
EXAM: MRI CERVICAL SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST
CLINICAL INFORMATION: 30-year-old female with complaints of cervical neck pain and headaches. Progressively worsening symptoms over the past 15 years. No inciting injury or history of cervical surgery.
COMPARISON: None.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION: All sequences were performed on a 1.5T high-field scanner. Sagittal T1 FLAIR scans, sagittal fast T2 spin-echo scans and sagittal STIR scans were obtained of the cervical spine. Additional angled axial fast T2 spin-echo scans and T2* gradient scans were obtained from C2-3 through C7-T1.
INTERPRETATION: There is mild straightening of the cervical lordosis without subluxation or anterolisthesis. No compression deformity or suspicious marrow changes. The craniocervical junction and atlantoaxial articulation appear within normal limits. The posterior elements appear intact.
The posterior fossa appears intact. There is however low-lying cerebellar tonsils extending below the foramen magnum approximately 9 mm consistent with Chiari I malformation. The cervical cord is normal without cord mass lesion or signal changes. The upper thoracic disc levels appear unremarkable. The following cervical disc levels are evaluated.
C7-T1: Normal disc height and hydration without central herniation or cord deformity. No foraminal compromise or facet degeneration. Perineural cyst is noted along the lateral margin of the left-sided foramen representing normal variation.
C6-7: Normal disc height and hydration. No central herniation or cord deformity. Minimal uncinate hypertrophy without foraminal stenosis or impingement with no facet degeneration.
C5-6: Mild desiccation without collapse. Subtle spondylotic spurring without canal narrowing or cord deformity. No facet degeneration or foraminal stenosis.
C4-5: Normal disc height and hydration. No central herniation or cord deformity. No facet joint arthropathy or foraminal stenosis.
C3-4: Normal disc height and hydration. No central herniation or foraminal stenosis with no impingement or facet degeneration.
C2-3: Disc morphology without canal narrowing or foraminal compromise. No impingement or facet arthropathy.
CONCLUSION:
1. Spondylotic spurring at C5-6 without canal narrowing or cord deformity.
2. Normal disc contour remaining cervical spine without herniation or cord compression.
3. No significant facet degeneration or foraminal stenosis with no exiting impingement.
4. Low-lying cerebellar tonsils consistent with Chiari I malformation as described.