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MR imaging of lumbar arachnoiditis
J S Ross1, T J Masaryk, M T Modic
1Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, OH 44106.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effectively identifies lumbar arachnoiditis changes, correlating well with CT and plain-film myelography. This diagnostic tool is useful for evaluating nerve root abnormalities in failed-back-surgery syndrome patients.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Spinal Imaging
Background:
- Lumbar arachnoiditis can cause persistent pain and neurological deficits after spinal surgery.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging in identifying lumbar arachnoiditis.
- To compare MR findings with conventional myelographic techniques in patients with failed-back-surgery syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR, plain-film myelography, and CT myelography findings.
- Analysis of 100 patients evaluated for failed-back-surgery syndrome.
- Classification of arachnoiditis findings into three anatomic groups based on nerve root adherence and subarachnoid space changes.
Main Results:
- MR identified abnormal nerve root configurations in 11 of 12 cases of arachnoiditis confirmed by myelography.
- Excellent correlation was observed between MR and CT/plain-film myelography for moderate to severe arachnoiditis.
- One case of false-negative MR findings was noted.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is a valuable tool for assessing lumbar arachnoiditis.
- MR findings correlate well with established myelographic methods in diagnosing arachnoiditis.
- MR can aid in the evaluation of patients with failed-back-surgery syndrome.