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Bilateral retrosomatic clefts at multiple lumbar levels
M Soleimanpour1, M L Gregg, R Paraliticci
1Department of Radiology, St Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center, Youngstown, Ohio 44501, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|September 1, 1995
Summary
This study details a case of low back pain in a woman with rheumatoid arthritis. Imaging revealed bilateral pedicle defects and retrosomatic clefts, indicating spinal abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Spinal Imaging
- Radiology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Low back pain is a common symptom with various causes.
- Spinal abnormalities can lead to significant pain and disability.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis presented with low back pain.
- Lumbar spine radiographs showed bilateral pedicle defects at L3-L5.
- Widening of the spinal canal and spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 were noted.
Findings:
- Computed tomography (CT) clearly visualized bilateral retrosomatic clefts at multiple lumbar levels.
- Pedicle defects and retrosomatic clefts suggest developmental or degenerative spinal anomalies.
- These findings correlate with the patient's reported low back pain.
Implications:
- Understanding spinal manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis is crucial for diagnosis.
- Advanced imaging techniques like CT are vital for characterizing complex spinal pathologies.
- Identifying retrosomatic clefts aids in diagnosing the cause of low back pain and guiding treatment.