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Thoracic spine disc-related abnormalities: longitudinal MR imaging assessment
Charles J Girard1, Mark E Schweitzer, William B Morrison
1TJUH Radiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Skeletal Radiology
|March 3, 2004
Summary
Thoracic spine disc herniations are dynamic and most prevalent in lower segments, often improving over time. Degenerative disc disease evolves rapidly but stabilizes, while Schmorl nodes show minimal change, indicating distinct temporal patterns in these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Spine Imaging
- Degenerative Disc Disease
Background:
- Thoracic spine disc disorders are less understood than those in other spinal regions.
- Temporal changes in these conditions are not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and characterize the temporal changes in disc-related disorders of the thoracic spine.
- To assess the incidence and evolution of disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, endplate marrow signal alteration, and Schmorl nodes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 40 patients.
- Two sequential thoracic spine MR images analyzed at variable intervals.
- Assessment of baseline presence, new incidence, and changes in disc pathologies.
Main Results:
- Disc herniations showed the most change, improving in 27% of cases.
- Degenerative disc disease was visible within 11 weeks and then stabilized.
- Schmorl nodes and endplate marrow signal alterations were less common and showed minimal change over time.
- Findings predominated in lower thoracic levels (T6-T10).
Conclusions:
- Thoracic disc herniations are dynamic and prevalent in lower segments.
- Disc degeneration evolves quickly but then remains stable.
- Endplate signal changes are uncommon; Schmorl nodes exhibit the least temporal change.