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Skeletal Radiology
Published in: Skeletal Radiology 4/2004

01-04-2004 | Article

Thoracic spine disc-related abnormalities: longitudinal MR imaging assessment

Authors: Charles J. Girard, Mark E. Schweitzer, William B. Morrison, Joan A. Parellada, J. A. Carrino

Published in: Skeletal Radiology | Issue 4/2004

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Abstract

Objective

To describe and characterize the temporal changes in disc-related disorders of the thoracic spine using MR imaging.

Design and patients

A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was carried out of 40 patients with two sequential thoracic spine MR images at variable intervals. The images were assessed for baseline presence of, new incidence of and changes in disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, endplate marrow signal alteration and Schmorl nodes.

Results

The range of follow-up was 4–149 weeks. Baseline presence was: disc herniation, 10% (49/480); degenerative disc disease, 14% (66/480); endplate marrow signal alteration, 2.3% (11/480); Schmorl nodes 9.6% (46/480). Most pre-existing lesions tended to remain unchanged. Herniations showed the most change, tending to improve in 27%. New incidence was: disc herniation, 1.5% (7/480), degenerative disc disease, 2% (10/480); endplate marrow signal alteration, 1.6% (8/480); Schmorl nodes, 2.1% (10/480). Disc degeneration was first visible at an 11-week interval and once established almost never changed over many weeks to months. Endplate signal alterations (Modic changes) were uncommon. Schmorl nodes show no change from baseline for up to 2 1/2 years. All findings predominated in the lower intervertebral levels from T6 to T10.

Conclusion

The most prevalent thoracic spine disc-related findings are degeneration and herniation. Disc herniations predominate in the lower segments and are a dynamic phenomenon. Disc degeneration can be rapidly evolving but tends to remain unchanged after occurrence. Endplate marrow signal changes were an uncommon manifestation of thoracic disc disease. Schmorl nodes showed the least change over time.
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Metadata
Title
Thoracic spine disc-related abnormalities: longitudinal MR imaging assessment
Authors
Charles J. Girard
Mark E. Schweitzer
William B. Morrison
Joan A. Parellada
J. A. Carrino
Publication date
01-04-2004
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Skeletal Radiology / Issue 4/2004
Print ISSN: 0364-2348
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2161
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-003-0736-8

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