Artifacts in magnetic resonance images following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: report of two cases

Magnetic susceptibility artifacts in two patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy with fusion for cervical intervertebral disc prolapse are described. These artifacts located at the previously operated level suggested severe ventral compression of the dural tube. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the artifactual nature of the MR findings and delineated the possible cause for the recurrence of symptoms in these patients. Elements and factors that can possibly lead to MR susceptibility artifacts in past operative imaging are elucidated. The danger of using MR imaging alone in directing the management of these patients is highlighted.