FIG 1. Persistent notochordal canal.

A, Sagittal T1-weighted (522/15/4; TR/TE/excitations) MR image shows a vertically oriented canal (arrows) spanning T12–L5 vertebrae. The intravertebral canal is similar in signal to the intervertebral canal. Note the well-defined low signal outlining the periphery of the canal, compatible with sclerosis.

B, Sagittal T2-weighted (2700/220/4) MR image shows hyperintense, rounded central components at the disk spaces (open arrows), corresponding to the nuclei pulposi. Hyperintense signal extends for a short segment superiorly and inferiorly into the intravertebral portions of the canal (solid arrow).

C, Sagittal contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (522/15/4) MR image shows enhancement of the canal (solid arrows). The rounded central components at the disk spaces (open arrows), corresponding to the nuclei pulposi, do not enhance.