Use of magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating compartmental location of spinal tumors.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best imaging modality for evaluating most spinal tumors. In this review, we describe the MRI appearance of extradural, intradural-extramedullary, and intradural-intramedullary tumors as well as the image interpretation techniques that permit identification of the compartment in which a lesion is located. In addition, we review the literature and our experience in using an anatomic classification system to narrow the differential diagnosis for patients with spine tumors. This method permits successful identification of a narrow differential diagnosis, which can be used to guide additional evaluation and treatment.