The Added Value of Short Tau Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequence in Evaluation of Endplate Changes of the Lumbar Spine in Patients with Low Back Pain | ||||
Suez Canal University Medical Journal | ||||
Article 1, Volume 27, Issue 5, May 2024, Page 1-8 PDF (444.97 K) | ||||
DOI: 10.21608/scumj.2024.392239 | ||||
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Authors | ||||
Sarah Y. Fathi ![]() | ||||
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt. | ||||
2Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt. | ||||
Abstract | ||||
Background: Endplate change classification in low back pain patients is broadly utilized and is the most recognized method for categorizing endplate changes. Short tau inversion recovery (STIR) images have a significant role in better characterizing bone marrow endplate changes. Aim: To assess the added value of short tau inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence in evaluating endplate changes of patients with low back pain. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study included 100 Patients with low back pain referred to a routine MRI study of the lumbar spine. Sagittal T1W, sagittal and axial T2W, and sagittal STIR sequences were used. Twelve endplates in each patient from D12-S1 levels were evaluated for abnormal signals. Modic change type was recorded. Results: Fifty-seven female and 43 male patients, aged 19 to 72 years, were included. Abnormal STIR signal and abnormal T2W/T1W signal were seen in 8.4% and 9.3% of all endplates, respectively. Forty-five (95.7%) and 54 (33.3%) endplates with Modic type 1 and type 2 changes show abnormal STIR signals, respectively. Conclusion: The STIR sequence has added value and is complementary to T1W and T2W images. When incorporated into the standard non-contrast MRI technique for assessing low back pain, it provides additional information in some individuals. | ||||
Keywords | ||||
STIR; endplate changes; low back pain | ||||
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