MRI EXAMINATION OF THE THORACIC SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST

MRI EXAMINATION OF THE THORACIC SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST

FINDINGS:             Sagittal T1 and T2 and axial T2 weighted images were obtained on the Open MRI.  The vertebral bodies appear in relatively good alignment.  There are degenerative changes and degenerative disc disease noted.

At the level of T7-T8, there is degenerative disc disease and disc space loss and also at the T8-T9 level and slightly at the T9-T10 level.  The cord shows no significant signal abnormality.  At these levels and also at the T10-T11 and T11-T12 levels, there is slight disc indentation on the anterior thecal sac, but no significant central canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing.  This is secondary to minimal disc bulge at these levels, degenerative changes, and degenerative disc disease.  There is no significant abnormality in the paraspinal soft tissues clearly identified or neuroforaminal narrowing.

IMPRESSION:        Changes consistent with degenerative disease and disc space loss especially at the T7-T8 and T8-T9 levels, but extending all the way down to the T12 level.  There are significant modic type changes at the T7-T8 level.  There is very slight disc bulge at these levels with indentation on the anterior thecal sac, but no significant central canal stenosis.  There is no fracture to the vertebral bodies.  The cord shows no significant signal abnormality.  If there is any further concern, would recommend clinical correlation or further evaluation as needed.

XXXXXXXXX