Computed tomography of the intervertebral foramen

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Pathologic lesions in the intervertebral foramen can cause significant morbidity.
• Accurate preoperative diagnosis is crucial for selecting the appropriate surgical approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the computed tomography (CT) findings of various pathologic lesions within the intervertebral foramen.
• To differentiate between common lesions like disc herniations and rarer entities such as tumors and vascular malformations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 52 cases with pathologically confirmed lesions in the intervertebral foramen.
• Evaluation of lesion characteristics using computed tomography (CT), including density, relationship to surrounding structures, and effect on foraminal morphology.
• Comparison of CT findings with histopathological diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Intraforaminal disc herniations were the most frequent lesions (34 cases), typically showing hyperdensity and broad contact with the intervertebral disc space.
• Benign tumors often presented with pressure-type bone erosion and foramen enlargement, unlike disc herniations.
• Bone infiltration was observed exclusively in malignant lesions and Echinococcosis.
• Vascular lesions, characterized by foraminal enlargement, require dynamic CT for accurate diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• CT is valuable for characterizing intervertebral foramen lesions.
• Distinct CT features can help differentiate disc herniations, tumors, and other pathologies.
• Preoperative identification of vascular lesions using dynamic CT is critical for surgical planning.