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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Quantitative [18F]-Naf-PET-MRI Analysis for the Evaluation of Dynamic Bone Turnover in a Patient with Facetogenic Low Back Pain

Quantitative [¹⁸F]-Naf-PET-MRI Analysis for the Evaluation of Dynamic Bone Turnover in a Patient with Facetogenic Low Back Pain

Published on: August 8, 2019

Rapid MRI detection of vertebral numeric variation.

Jason J Akbar¹, Kenneth L Weiss, Muhammad A Saafir

¹Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, OH 45267-0762, USA.

AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology

|July 24, 2010

Summary

Spine MRI often misses vertebral column variations. A new automated technique (ASSIST) identified these variations in 7.7% of patients, with most unreported, highlighting the need for improved imaging protocols.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Quantitative [18F]-Naf-PET-MRI Analysis for the Evaluation of Dynamic Bone Turnover in a Patient with Facetogenic Low Back Pain

Quantitative [¹⁸F]-Naf-PET-MRI Analysis for the Evaluation of Dynamic Bone Turnover in a Patient with Facetogenic Low Back Pain

Published on: August 8, 2019

Area of Science:

Radiology
Medical Imaging
Anatomy

Background:

Vertebral column variations are common incidental findings on spine MRI.
Traditional MRI localizers may not cover the entire neuroaxis, leading to missed variations.
Undocumented variations can have clinical and medicolegal consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the utility of an automated spine survey iterative scan technique (ASSIST) for detecting vertebral column variations.
To assess the prevalence of unreported vertebral variations in patients undergoing thoracic spine MRI.

Main Methods:

A subminute automated spine survey iterative scan technique (ASSIST) was employed.
207 patients undergoing thoracic spine MRI were evaluated using ASSIST.
Image analysis focused on identifying and documenting vertebral column variations.

Main Results:

Vertebral column variations were identified in 7.7% of the 207 patients studied.
Of the detected variations, 69% were previously unreported.
ASSIST demonstrated effectiveness in visualizing variations missed by standard methods.

Conclusions:

Automated Spine Survey Iterative Scan Technique (ASSIST) effectively detects vertebral column variations.
A significant percentage of vertebral variations remain unreported, necessitating improved documentation.
Implementing ASSIST for thoracic and lumbar spine examinations can enhance patient care and mitigate medicolegal risks.