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Published on: August 17, 2022
Case report: imaging findings in a "butterfly" vertebra
Cedric Boulet1, Ann Schiettecatte, Johan De Mey
1Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Jette, Belgium.
Acta Neurologica Belgica
|February 29, 2012
Summary
A rare butterfly vertebra, a vertebral anomaly, can cause chronic low back pain. This case highlights a sacral butterfly vertebra, a previously undescribed location, associated with L5-S1 disc narrowing.
Area of Science:
- Spinal anatomy and congenital anomalies
- Radiology and diagnostic imaging
- Orthopedic surgery and biomechanics
Background:
- Butterfly vertebra is a rare congenital vertebral anomaly characterized by a sagittal cleft in the vertebral body.
- While often isolated, it can be associated with genetic syndromes like Alagille, Jarcho-Levin, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer syndromes.
- Typically found in the thoracolumbar spine, its occurrence in the sacrum is unusual.
Observation:
- A case study of a 35-year-old male presenting with chronic low back pain.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed a butterfly vertebra anomaly at the S1 (sacral) level.
- Associated findings included disc space narrowing at L5-S1.
Findings:
- This report describes the first known case of a sacral butterfly vertebra.
- The anomaly was linked to chronic low back pain and L5-S1 disc space narrowing.
- The patient's symptoms suggest a potential link between sacral butterfly vertebrae and spinal biomechanical alterations.
Implications:
- This case expands the known anatomical locations for butterfly vertebrae.
- It suggests that sacral butterfly vertebrae may contribute to chronic low back pain and degenerative disc disease.
- Further research is warranted to understand the biomechanical consequences and clinical significance of sacral butterfly vertebrae.
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