MRI of spinal hematoma as a result of lumbar puncture

A 59-year-old woman was suspected of having meningitis. A lumbar puncture was performed for CSF analysis; however, a traumatic tap induced hemorrhage in the subarachnoid space and formed a hematoma from the L3 to the S1 level. This resulted in a paraparesis. Myelography showed a band-like filling defect and a subsequent computed tomography (CT) myelogram showed a soft tissue mass in the intradural space. T1 weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion with moderate hyperintensity within the dural sac, hinting that the lesion was a hematoma. Laminectomy was performed, and the hematoma was entirely removed. (orig.)