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Development of acute schmorl nodes after discography
Bernard Pilet1, Rodrigo Salgado, Tony Van Havenbergh
1Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium. bpilet@hotmail.com
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|July 30, 2009
Summary
Acute Schmorl nodes developed at the L3-L4 level after discography in a 36-year-old man. This rare complication involves disc material herniating through vertebral endplates following the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Spine Surgery
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Discography is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to identify the source of low back pain.
- Schmorl nodes, or intravertebral disc herniations, are typically chronic findings.
Observation:
- A case of acute Schmorl nodes at the L3-L4 intervertebral disc level is reported.
- The patient was a 36-year-old man who underwent discography.
Findings:
- This is the first reported instance of acute Schmorl nodes developing as a direct consequence of discography.
- The mechanism is presumed to be herniation of disc material through the vertebral endplates.
Implications:
- Discography should be considered a potential cause of acute Schmorl nodes, although rare.
- Clinicians should be aware of this possible complication when interpreting imaging after discography.
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