• D A Bell, D Collie, and P F Statham.
• Department of Neurosurgery, St George's Hospital, London, UK. davidalexanderbell@hotmail.com
• Br J Neurosurg. 2007 Apr 1; 21 (2): 201-3.

UnlabelledThe indications for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in suspected cauda equina syndrome, and the urgency for this investigation are regularly disputed. In this study we assess the ability of neurosurgical residents to predict on clinical grounds in which patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES) this was due to prolapsed intervertebral disc thereby justifying a request for urgent MR imaging.DesignProspective cohort study of all adult patients with a suspected diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome.SettingA single tertiary referral neurosurgical centre.ParticipantsAll patients referred over a four month period with a suspected diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome.ResultsMRI was normal in 10 (43%) patients. A disc prolapse causing cauda equina distortion was present in 5 (22%) patients. The diagnostic accuracy of urinary retention, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, altered urinary sensation and altered perineal sensation were 0.57, 0.65, 0.61 ,0.65 and 0.60 respectively.ConclusionsBecause it is impossible in a significant proportion of patients to exclude the diagnosis of prolapsed intervertebral disc in the context of referral with suspected cauda equina compromise the authors recommend urgent MRI assessment in all patients who present with new onset urinary symptoms in the context of lumbar back pain or sciatica.

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