T2-SPACE imaging of the cauda equina for the assessment of leptomeningeal metastatic disease.

The diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastatic disease (LMD) is frequently challenging and MRI of the spine is an important part of the diagnostic paradigm. We sought to examine the value of adding 3-dimensional, heavily T2-weighted, Sampling Perfection with Application optimised Contrasts using different flip angle Evolution (T2-SPACE) imaging of the lumbar spine to the MRI protocol for patients with suspected LMD. MRI spine examinations including T2-SPACE imaging of the lumbar spine performed for suspected or known LMD were retrospectively reviewed by a neuroradiologist to determine the additional benefit of the T2-SPACE sequence.