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Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
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Imagistic and histopathologic concordances in degenerative lesions of intervertebral disks

Mariana Cevei1, Elena Roşca, L Liviu

  • 1Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Romania. cevei_mariana@yahoo.com

Romanian Journal of Morphology and Embryology = Revue Roumaine De Morphologie Et Embryologie
|March 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Modic classifications correlate with the histopathological findings of degenerated lumbar intervertebral disks. Advanced disk degeneration showed specific changes in collagen components visible via electron microscopy.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Radiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Lumbar disk lesions are common, often diagnosed via MRI.
  • Surgical intervention provides tissue for detailed analysis.
  • Understanding MRI-histopathology correlation aids diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To correlate MRI findings (Modic classification) with histopathological features of lumbar intervertebral disks.
  • To investigate collagen changes in degenerated disks using electron microscopy.
  • To establish a link between imaging and biological disk alterations.

Main Methods:

  • MRI was used for initial diagnosis in 47 cases of lumbar disk lesions.
  • Surgical samples of intervertebral disks were analyzed histopathologically.
  • Electron microscopy examined collagen components in disk fragments.

Main Results:

  • 4/5 analyzed disks showed advanced degeneration: hyalinized cartilage, calcification/ossification, and inflammatory infiltrate.
  • Electron microscopy revealed quantitative and qualitative collagen changes in all three disk structures.
  • These collagen alterations corresponded with observed MRI changes.

Conclusions:

  • MRI Modic classification effectively reflects the histopathological state of degenerated lumbar intervertebral disks.
  • Advanced disk degeneration involves significant collagen alterations.
  • The study highlights the correspondence between non-invasive MRI and invasive histopathological findings.

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