Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
07:00
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
MRI findings of dorsalgia
1Department of Radiology, Akita Kumiai General Hospital; Akita, Japan - a-inugami@nifty.com.
The Neuroradiology Journal
|September 25, 2013
Summary
This study analyzed thoracic spine MRI scans for patients with back pain. Abnormalities in spinal canal and subarachnoid space measurements were identified, potentially explaining the cause of dorsalgia.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Orthopaedics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Dorsalgia, or back pain, is a common chief complaint leading patients to orthopaedic specialists.
- Thoracic spine MRI is a key diagnostic tool for evaluating back pain causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between spinal canal morphology and dorsalgia in patients undergoing thoracic spine MRI.
- To identify specific measurements within the thoracic spinal canal and subarachnoid space associated with back pain.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of thoracic spine MRI scans from 134 patients presenting with dorsalgia.
- Measurement of spinal canal diameter and subarachnoid space dimensions on sagittal T2w MR images.
- Calculation of eccentricities as ratios of spinal canal diameter to dorsal and ventral subarachnoid space diameters.
Main Results:
- A significant difference in cavity diameter under the posterior arachnoid was observed in patients with dorsalgia.
- Specific criteria for cavity diameter (≥0.55 posterior space, ≤0.43 abdominal side space) were noted.
- Spinal cord imaging revealed ventral root towing and assumed dorsal root bending in affected cases.
Conclusions:
- Abnormalities in thoracic spinal canal and subarachnoid space dimensions are associated with dorsalgia.
- These morphological changes, including eccentricities and altered cavity diameters, may contribute to the pathogenesis of back pain.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking these MRI findings to clinical symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...