FIG 2. Thoracic spine MR imaging.

A, Sagittal T2-weighted MR image of the thoracic spine shows increased signal intensity within the spinal cord (arrows). There are prominent low-signal-intensity structures (arrowheads) along the posterior surface of the cord that represent flow voids from the dilated perivertebral plexus. The increased signal intensity of the T3 and T4 vertebral bodies is consistent with bone contusions, without loss of vertebral body height.

B, Axial T2-weighted MR image of the spine demonstrates tubular flow voids in the epidural space (arrowheads) that represent the dilated epidural venous plexus. There is increased signal intensity within the central portion of the spinal cord (arrow) compatible with edema. Pleural effusion is also noted on the right (asterisk).