A 46-year-old woman presents as triage level 2 with low back pain, saddle anesthesia, urinary retention, and bilateral sciatica. Postvoid residual is

Question

A 46-year-old woman presents as triage level 2 with low back pain, saddle anesthesia, urinary retention, and bilateral sciatica. Postvoid residual is 650 mL and rectal tone is reduced. Which of the following is the most appropriate imaging study?

Accepted Answer

MRI lumbosacral spine

Answer

CT abdomen and pelvis without contrast

Answer

Bone scan

Answer

No imaging before outpatient physical therapy

Answer

Lumbar radiographs

Cauda equina syndrome — ABEM Board MCQ

A 46-year-old woman presents as triage level 2 with low back pain, saddle anesthesia, urinary retention, and bilateral sciatica. Postvoid residual is 650 mL and rectal tone is reduced. Which of the following is the most appropriate imaging study?