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Schmorl's node developing in the lumbar vertebra affected with metastatic carcinoma: correlation magnetic resonance
Takehiko Yamaguchi1, Seiichirou Suzuki, Hiroaki Ishiiwa
1Department of Pathology, Koshigaya Hospital, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Koshigaya, Saitama, Japan. takehiko@dokkyomed.ac.jp
Study Design:
Described is magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of unusual Schmorl's node occurring in the lumbar vertebra affected with metastatic carcinoma.
Objective:
To know MR features of Schmorl's node with a neoplastic background.
Summary Of Background Data:
Schmorl's nodes occasionally develop in the vertebrae affected with metastatic carcinoma; however, their MR images have been rarely illustrated.
Methods:
The spinal column dissected from a 65-year-old man who died of esophageal carcinoma was examined. Specimen radiographs and MR images were correlated to histologic sections.
Results:
T1-weighted spin-echo image revealed intervertebral disc displacement into the second lumbar vertebra, which showed intermediate signal intensity, and a surrounding area of lower signal intensity. Short T1 inversion recovery image exhibited a crescent area of high signal intensity surrounding a focus of intermediate signal intensity.
Conclusions:
MR features consisting of two different signal patterns are characteristic for Schmorl's node with a neoplastic background. The conditions should be distinguished from Schmorl's nodes in an acute phase, which show similar MR features.