Magnetic resonance imaging of syrinx associated with intramedullary metastases and leptomeningeal disease.

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis with an associated syrinx diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MR) is described. The patient had documented simultaneous leptomeningeal spread of malignant cells and intramedullary spinal cord metastasis with hyalinized blood vessels, venous dilatation, and cavitation detected by autopsy. Metastasis to the spinal cord is unusual, but well described. Syrinx associated with intramedullary spinal cord metastasis has been detected rarely. MRI of syrinx and intramedullary spinal cord metastasis, and the possible pathogenesis of these lesions are discussed.