Fig 5.

Images of a 70-year-old man with bilateral leg pain and weakness, with reduced sensation in both upper and lower legs.

A−C, Contiguous axial view T2-weighted MR images show a trefoil-shaped canal at L2–L3 that was judged to be root compression (grade 2) on the right by one observer because of the small recess size but was judged to be noncompressive (grade 0) by the other observer (arrows).

D, Conventional myelogram shows right-sided root compression at L2–L3 (curved arrow), assessed as grades 2 and 3 by both observers. Compression at L3–L4 was also identified by both observers by using MR imaging and conventional myelography. Surgical findings revealed evidence of root compression on the right at L2–L3 as well as at L3–L4. The patient was free of leg pain at the time of postoperative discharge.

E−G, Contiguous axial post-myelogram CT images obtained at the L2–L3 level show narrowing of the right lateral recess (arrows) with a normal appearance of the left lateral recess. One observer graded the right lateral recess as abnormal (grade 2), and the second observer graded this recess as narrow but not compressive (grade 1). Observer grading in this instance was reversed between MR imaging and CT myelography. One observer graded the MR imaging findings as root compressive but graded the CT myelography findings as not compressive. The other observer graded the MR imaging findings as compressive but graded the CT myelography findings as narrow but not root compressive.