Objective To investigate the imaging manifestations of intraspinal extradural lymphoma and improve the diagnosis and differentiation of this disease. Methods This study retrospectively analyzes theimages, pathological and clinical data of 7 cases of primary spinal epidural lymphoma, which were later confirmed by the operation and pathology. 1 case was subjected to CT scan. The remaining 6 cases were subjected to MR scan and enhanced examination. Results All the lesions were located in thoracic region. 7 cases of lesions showed spinal epidural lumps, of which 6 cases were spindle-shaped or elongatedsagittal shaped. In 1 case lesions were found in the intervertebral foramen and showed "dumbbell-shaped" growth. In 3 cases the unilateral intervertebral foramen were enlarged. In 4 cases lesions were found in the transversal position and showed a semi-circular shape, surrounding the dura mater. The spinal cords were compressed flat by the tumors, but the density or signals were normal. In 3 cases the adjacent vertebral bone and adnexal parts destruction were visible. The lesions showed isodensity on CT image.The other lesions had slightly low-(n=1) or iso-(n=5) intensity on T1WI, andiso(n=4)or slightly hyper- (n=2) intensity on T2WI. The mass showed mild (n=3), moderate (n=2) and significant (n=1) homogeneous enhancement on MR. There were no necrosis or cyst in the masses. Conclusion There are certain characteristics in pathogenesis, lesion morphology and image manifestations of the primary spinal canal lymphoma. The understanding of these features will be helpful to improve the diagnostic accuracy.