Uncommon Manifestations of Intervertebral Disk Pathologic Conditions

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Spine Imaging
• Neuropathology

Background:

• Intervertebral disk pathologies present with varied imaging and clinical features, extending beyond common herniations.
• Unusual manifestations require specialized knowledge for accurate radiologic diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate and discuss uncommon manifestations of intervertebral disk pathologies encountered by radiologists.
• To cover atypical locations, imaging features, and pathophysiologic findings of disk diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of unusual intervertebral disk pathologic conditions.
• Categorization of herniations by location, imaging features, and pathophysiology.
• Inclusion of diverse examples from minuscule to giant disk pathologies.

Main Results:

• Examples of atypical herniations include dorsal epidural, intradural, extreme lateral, FDG-avid, Schmorl nodes, and giant thoracic herniations.
• Atypical pathophysiologies discussed are discal cysts, fibrocartilaginous emboli, CSF leaks from calcified disks, and pediatric calcific discitis.
• The spectrum ranges from hyperacute spinal cord infarcts to chronic intradural herniations.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists must be aware of the broad spectrum of unusual disk diseases for precise diagnosis.
• Knowledge of these varied presentations aids in differentiating conditions and understanding clinical courses.
• Accurate diagnosis of rare disk pathologies is critical for patient management and outcomes.