Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 28, 2025
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
Pregnancy- and lactation-associated vertebral compression fractures: MRI prevalence and characteristics
A E Yıldız1, A B Özbalcı2, F B Ergen3
1Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Sihhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey. aelcindr@gmail.com.
Abstract:
The frequency of pregnancy- and lactation-associated vertebral compression fractures (PLVCFs) is not known. This study showed that MRI prevalence of PLVCFs was approximately 0.5% in females ≥ 15 and < 40 years of age over a 48-month period. PLVCFs did not display MRI features distinguishing them from other vertebral insufficiency fractures.
Purpose:
We aimed to investigate the MRI prevalence and characteristics of pregnancy- and lactation-associated vertebral compression fractures (PLVCFs).
Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional observational study included all thoracic, lumbar, or thoracolumbar MRI examinations performed in our hospital (or at outside centers and referred to us for consultation) of females ≥ 15 and < 40 years of age during a 48-month period. Two radiologists independently reviewed all images for vertebral compression fractures and their disagreement was resolved by a third blinded senior radiologist with 24 years of dedicated musculoskeletal radiology experience. MRI features of PLVCFs (early/late stage, height loss, endplate involvement, retropulsion) were noted.
Results:
A total of 1484 MRI examinations-including 50 consultations from outside centers-of 1260 females (mean age, 27.7 years; range, 15-39) were included. Interobserver agreement of the two junior radiologists was substantial (κ = 0.607; 95% CI, 0.545-0.669). Vertebral compression fractures were identified in 177 of thoracic (n = 210), lumbar (n = 900), or thoracolumbar MRI (n = 374) examinations. Six women (7 MRI examinations; 4.0% of MRIs with vertebral fractures) had PLVCFs diagnosed on MRI (prevalence, 0.47%; mean age, 31 years; age range, 25-37). Number of fractured vertebrae in cases with PLVCF ranged between 1 and 11 (mean, 5.6). DEXA, available in all patients with PLVCFs, verified osteopenia/osteoporosis in four of six patients.
Conclusion:
PLVCFs have an MRI prevalence of approximately 0.5% in the target population and do not display distinguishing features from other insufficiency type vertebral compression fractures.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:16Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form...
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:19Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...