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Background
It is important for the body imager (and general radiologist) to have a systematic approach to evaluating the spine on abdominal CT or MRI to improve diagnostic accuracy. Given the larger field of view, abnormalities may not be as apparent compared to dedicated spine imaging. Using a 6-point comprehensive checklist, the body imager can improve diagnostic accuracy for abnormalities that may be otherwise overlooked.

Educational Goals / Teaching Points
The goal of this exhibit is to provide the body imager or general radiologist with a comprehensive checklist of common spine related pathologies that may be encountered on cross sectional CT and MRI. This exhibit will review common pathologies utilizing an anatomical zone based search pattern. For each zone, we will discuss differential diagnoses, expand on the imaging findings and offer pearls and pitfalls to assist in clinching the diagnosis.

Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Clinical history and important findings on abdominal CT and MRI will be presented. Examples include discitis/osteomyelitis, epidural hematoma/abscess, disc herniation, canal stenosis, pathologic or compression fractures, metastasis and more. Important findings on localizer images will also be demonstrated. Helpful clues to narrow the differential and best detect the abnormality will be discussed including when to recommend additional imaging. 

Conclusion
A systematic search pattern is important to detect spine-related abnormalities that may be encountered on cross sectional imaging of the abdomen and pelvis. Learners should be familiar with the most common findings which are important to report and may be easily overlooked. Having a checklist will improve detection and may even save the patient from additional unnecessary imaging or interventions.