Figure 2
Post-mortem sagittal T2W-image of the cervical vertebral column. The MRI revealed similar findings as the radiographs but displayed pronounced spinal cord involvement. The images reflect displacement of the C2 vertebral body with step misalignment of the vertebral canal and severe spinal cord compression at this level. Next to the compression site, the spinal cord (continuous arrows) shows a T2-hyperintense intramedullary signal. The considered differentials were spinal cord oedema, haemorrhage or myelomalacia. The T2-hyperintense area within the paravertebral musculature located dorsal to the fracture site (broken arrow) is indicative of a traumatic dorsal event. Asterisk = odontoid process.