This image illustrates the severity of spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) from mild to extreme
(Grade A to D). The grading is based on the appearance of nerve rootlets (black dots), cerebrospinal fluid (white space), and epidural fat in cross-sectional MRI views of the lumbar spine.
Grade A (Mild): Nerve roots are well-separated with clear cerebrospinal fluid around them.
Grade B (Moderate): Nerve roots are becoming clustered, cerebrospinal fluid space is reduced.
Grade C (Severe): Nerve roots are compressed, cerebrospinal fluid is absent, epidural fat may be present.
Grade D (Extreme): Nerve roots are severely compressed and indistinguishable, no cerebrospinal fluid or epidural fat is visible.