Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) findings in intrathecal catheter granuloma: Report of two cases

In patients who have progressive neurological deficit on a background of intrathecal morphine pump infusion, spinal catheter-associated granuloma is an important differential diagnosis. Magnetic resonance (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are two important imaging modalities for catheter-associated granuloma. We found that catheter-associated granuloma present on MRI as a low to intermediate signal intensity mass on T1-weighted (T1W) and T2-weighted (T2W) images with rim enhancement post-gadolinium. The intrathecal catheter may not be seen on MRI, but is readily detectable on CT spine.