I have finally managed to get a copy of the report from the MRI that was done two days after surgery. I noticed in the piece of this report that was transposed into my discharge summary that there was a mention of no sign of CSF flow below T3 (where the adhesions were) and I was keen to find out the full story because this had not been mentioned when I was in hospital.
MRI Cerebrospinal fluid flow
27/04/2017 19:55
Anatomic site: MRI Cerebrospinal fluid flow
27/04/2017 19:55
Anatomic site: MRI Cerebrospinal fluid flow
Result:
Clinical History : prev spinal cord herniation patient has had myelopathy due to adhesions around spinal cord, has had release of adhesions on 25.04.2017, Mr Sepahi would like MRI whole spine to look for flow of CSF.
MRI Spine Cervical : Sagittal T2 was the whole spine in 2 blocks with CSF flow series sagittally in the thoracic region and axially at C5-6, and T5 Comparison is made with the previous MRs dated 13/5/16 and 7/12/16.
On 13/5/16 there was an anterior spinal cord herniation at the level of the T2-3 disc. On 7/12/16, following surgery, there was apparent adhesion of the spinal cord to the anterior theca at the level of previous herniation and there was cord oedema.
The current study has been performed after redo surgery. There is a laminectomy from C7-T3 with fluid/blood within the posterior surgical defect. CSF surrounds the cord down to T2 but the theca remains narrowed behind the T3 and vertebral body and little CSF is visible at this level on axial images. However, the cord no longer appears to be expanded/oedematous.
On 13/5/16 there was an anterior spinal cord herniation at the level of the T2-3 disc. On 7/12/16, following surgery, there was apparent adhesion of the spinal cord to the anterior theca at the level of previous herniation and there was cord oedema.
The current study has been performed after redo surgery. There is a laminectomy from C7-T3 with fluid/blood within the posterior surgical defect. CSF surrounds the cord down to T2 but the theca remains narrowed behind the T3 and vertebral body and little CSF is visible at this level on axial images. However, the cord no longer appears to be expanded/oedematous.
The sagittal flow studies show a column of CSF flow anterior and posterior to the cord (more prominent anteriorly) down to the level of T2 but not extending inferior to this. The axial images are very noisy and do not contribute useful additional information.
There is no evidence of spinal cord compression or distortion at other levels. The spinal cord ends behind L1. Small disc bulges are noted at C4-5 and C5-6.
There is no evidence of spinal cord compression or distortion at other levels. The spinal cord ends behind L1. Small disc bulges are noted at C4-5 and C5-6.
Conclusion: The spinal canal remains narrow at the level of T3 and CSF flow is not demonstrated around the cord at or below this level.