[en] MR imaging was performed in patients with compressive lesions of the cervical cord. High signal intensity was observed within the spinal cord on T2-weighted images in approximately 25% of the patients, the incidence being higher in patients with herniated disk, atlantoaxial dislocation, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and degenerative osteoarthritis. The degree of subarachnoid compression and high signal intensity was proportionally related to the degree of myelopathy. There was contrast enhancement with Gd-DTPA in a small number of these patients. The finding of high signal intensity was important in determining the management of these patients