Intraspinal Paragonimiasis in Children: MRI Findings and Suggestions for Pathogenesis

MR imaging of intraspinal paragonimiasis in a 6-year-old patient. Sagittal T1WI (A) and T2WI (B) show a longitudinal fusiform-shaped mass located in the intraspinal extradural space parallel to the level of T2–T11, with predominant isointensity on T1WI and hyperintensity on T2WI, and there are multiple patchlike hemorrhagic areas with hyperintensity on T1WI and hypointensity on T2WI within the mass. Axial T1WI (C) and T2WI (D) show that the mass is located in the extradural space and extends to the right intervertebral foramen, connecting to the irregularly thickened pleural lesions on the right, accompanied by a small amount of pleural effusion. The compressed spinal cord moves slightly to the left front, and there is edema with hyperintensity on T2WI. The sagittal (E) and axial (F) views of the contrast-enhanced images indicate that the mass is obviously enhanced, and there are scattered nonenhancement areas within it. Additionally, the adjacent spinal meninges show obvious enhancement.