J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Dec;31(6):1163-1166.

MR Imaging of the Dural Ligaments' Cadaveric and Clinical Study

• Yoon Y
• Lee SU
• Kim KT
• Ryu KN
• Choi WS
• Ahn HK
• Lee WK

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe the MR imaging appearance of the dural ligaments which is connected between the anterior dura mater and the posterior longitudinal ligament.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In 10 cadavers with formalin fixation, the dural ligaments were evaluated and photographed after removal of the posterior element of the spinal canal. MR studies of 12 patients who had distinct dural ligaments were evaluated. Spin-echo MR images were obtained on a 1. 5T unit.
RESULTS
In seven of the ten cadavers, the midline dural ligament was observed; the lateral dural ligament was observed in 3 cadavers. On MR, the dural ligaments were imaged as thin lines of low signal intensity between the anterior dural margin and the posterior longitudinal ligament. Dural ligaments were well-visualized at the level of the lower lumbar spine which had a more prominent anterior epidural space than that of the upper level of the spine. Eight of 12 cases had well developed midline dural ligaments. Two cases showed distinct lateral dural ligaments and the remaining 2 cases had distinct midline and lateral dural ligaments.
CONCLUSION
MR images of the dural ligament demonstrate a thin low signal line at the anterior epidural space.

MeSH Terms

Cadaver*
Dura Mater
Epidural Space
Formaldehyde
Humans
Ligaments
Longitudinal Ligaments
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Spinal Canal
Spine
Formaldehyde