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Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR in thoracic disc herniations
P M Parizel1, G Rodesch, D Balériaux
1Department of Radiology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
Neuroradiology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Gadolinium-DTPA enhanced MRI reveals dilated epidural veins in patients with thoracic disc herniation. These findings aid in diagnosing spinal cord compression from herniated discs.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Imaging
Background:
- Thoracic disc herniations are uncommon but can cause significant spinal cord compression.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing spinal pathologies.
- Gadolinium-DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid) is a contrast agent used to enhance MRI visualization.
Observation:
- Two patients with symptomatic thoracic disc herniations underwent MRI with and without Gd-DTPA contrast.
- Nonenhanced MRI showed extradural mass lesions compressing the spinal cord.
- Gd-DTPA enhancement revealed contrast uptake in the posterior longitudinal ligament and triangular epidural areas.
Findings:
- The enhanced MRI demonstrated characteristic patterns of Gd-DTPA uptake associated with thoracic disc herniation.
- Triangular areas of contrast enhancement in the epidural space correlated with dilated and congested epidural veins.
- These findings suggest that Gd-DTPA enhanced MRI can help identify vascular changes associated with disc herniation.
Implications:
- Gd-DTPA enhanced MRI provides valuable diagnostic information for thoracic disc herniation.
- Identifying dilated epidural veins may improve surgical planning and patient outcomes.
- This imaging technique enhances the understanding of the pathophysiology of spinal cord compression in these cases.