MR imaging of spinal haematoma: a pictorial review

Spinal haematoma is a rare occurrence, however has the potential to cause significant spinal injury and morbidity. MRI is the gold-standard of investigation, and urgent imaging is required for early diagnosis and treatment to ensure best patient outcomes. We present a pictorial review demonstrating the imaging features of spinal haematoma based on meningeal space assignment; epidural, subdural, subarachnoid, intramedullary and a combination of these locations. In this review, we summarise the literature and imaging findings of spinal haematoma on MRI. Particular imaging features which help to differentiate between haematoma in the different spinal meningeal compartments are discussed below.