Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spinal Epidural Hematoma.

Since 1986, we have treated five cases of spinal epidural hematoma, all of which were examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Up till 4 days from onset, the hematoma was visualized as iso-intense on the T1-weighted view, although on the T2-weighted view various patterns were seen. Thirteen days after onset the lesion was iso-intense on the T1-weighted view, and of high intensity on the T2-weighted view. Eighty days after onset, the lesion was visualized as highintensity on T1 and T2-weighted views. The signal intensity of spinal epidural hematoma on MRI changes with time according to the metabolism of hemoglobin. We confirm that MRI is a useful examination for spinal epidural hematoma.