[Enhanced MR imaging with a nonionic contrast gadolinium complex, Gadoteridol, for lumbar disc herniation]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness for lumbar disc herniation of enhanced imaging with a nonionic contrast gadolinium complex (Gadoteridol). Among 130 discs in 26 patients, 27 herniated discs were shown on MR sagittal imaging. They were classified into 4 types according to the enhancement pattern of the disc on MR sagittal imaging (Type Ia: nonenhancement, Type Ib: globular enhancement, Type II: strong enhancement, Type III: ring enhancement). The results were as follows: Type Ia: 3, Type Ib: 15, Type II: 7, Type III: 2. A total of herniated discs were enhanced with Gadoteridol. Surgery was performed in 5 patients (Type Ib: 1, Type II: 4). The herniated disc of Type Ib extruded but did not rupture the posterior ligament, whereas the herniated discs of Type II extruded and ruptured the posterior ligament. Thus, the herniated discs were enhanced with the nonionic contrast agent Gadoteridol. If the disc herniates over the posterior ligament, it might be strongly enhanced. Therefore, enhanced MR imaging is thought to be useful to establish the diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation.