Differential Diagnosis for Decreased Visualization of the Thecal Sac and Changes in the Lumbar Foraminal and Lateral Recesses on MRI
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Lumbar spinal stenosis: This condition is characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal, which can lead to decreased visualization of the thecal sac and changes in the lumbar foraminal and lateral recesses on MRI. The symptoms and MRI findings are consistent with this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Lumbar disc herniation: Herniated discs can cause compression of the thecal sac and narrowing of the lumbar foraminal and lateral recesses, leading to similar MRI findings.
- Spondylolisthesis: This condition involves slippage of one vertebra over another, which can cause narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the thecal sac.
- Degenerative spondylosis: This condition involves wear and tear on the spine, leading to narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the thecal sac.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Spinal epidural abscess: This is a serious infection that can cause compression of the thecal sac and spinal cord, leading to severe neurological symptoms. Although less likely, it is a potentially life-threatening condition that should not be missed.
- Spinal tumor: Tumors such as meningiomas or schwannomas can cause compression of the thecal sac and spinal cord, leading to similar MRI findings.
- Rare diagnoses
- Arachnoiditis: This is a rare condition characterized by inflammation of the arachnoid membrane, which can cause scarring and adhesions that lead to compression of the thecal sac.
- Spinal synovial cyst: This is a rare condition characterized by the formation of a cyst in the spinal canal, which can cause compression of the thecal sac and spinal cord.