Syrinx – MRI

Syrinx. This fluid-filled cavity (arrows) in the cervical spinal cord is a syrinx, which can be caused by dilatation of the central canal (hydromyelia) or a build-up of fluid within the substance of the cord (syringomyelia). Distinguishing between the two on MRI can be very difficult, and doesn’t really matter as their clinical behaviour is identical. These may be congenital or acquired; acquired causes include trauma and spinal cord tumours.