Figure 3. (a) The T₁ weighted axial image shows that the mass has not only the low signal intensity of nodular and stranding soft tissue components but also the high signal intensity of the fatty areas. The dumbbell tumour enlarges the right intervertebral foramen of T3–4 and displaces the thecal sac to the left without compression of the spinal cord. (b) On the T₂ weighted axial image, the mass extends through the pre-vertebral space to the left posterior mediastinum and encases the descending thoracic aorta without compression. (c) The axial contrast-enhanced T₁ weighted image with fat saturation demonstrates that the signal intensity of the fatty areas is reduced but that the nodular and stranding soft tissue components are enhanced.