J Korean Soc Radiol.  2015 Jan;72(1):57-64. 10.3348/jksr.2015.72.1.57.

Anterior Atlantodental and Posterior Atlantodental Intervals on Plain Radiography, Multidetector CT, and MRI

• Yoon K
• Cha SW
• Ryu JA
• Park DW
• Lee S
• Joo KB

• KMID: 1823935
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2015.72.1.57

Abstract

PURPOSE
To determine the normal values of the anterior atlantodental interval (AADI) and posterior atlantodental interval (PADI) on plain radiography, multidetector CT (MDCT) and MRI, as well as the dural sac width and spinal cord diameter at the atlantoaxial joint level on MRI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In total, 60 subjects underwent plain radiography, MRI and MDCT. We obtained values for AADI and PADI on plain radiography, MDCT, and MRI, and for dural sac width and spinal cord diameter on MRI. Two radiologists independently measured each value and a consensus was reached.
RESULTS
The average AADI was 1.5 +/- 0.5 mm on plain radiography, 1.4 +/- 0.3 mm on MDCT, and 1.6 +/- 0.5 mm on MRI. The average PADI was 20.6 +/- 2.4 mm on plain radiography, 18.0 +/- 2.1 mm on MDCT, and 17.7 +/- 1.9 mm on MRI. The dural sac width was 13.7 +/- 1.8 mm, and the spinal cord diameter was 7.8 +/- 0.7 mm. Interobserver agreement was 0.701-0.927 and intraobserver agreement was 0.681-0.937.
CONCLUSION
AADI values obtained on MDCT are significantly lower than those obtained on plain radiography or MRI. PADI values obtained on plain radiography are significantly higher than those obtained on MDCT or MRI. The dural sac width is most closely correlated with PADI values on MDCT. PADI seems to be easier to measure, more relevant, and clinically useful than AADI.

MeSH Terms

Atlanto-Axial Joint
Cervical Vertebrae
Consensus
Female
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Multidetector Computed Tomography
Radiography*
Reference Values
Spinal Cord

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Anterior atlantodental interval (AADI) and posterior atlantodental interval (PADI) on plain radiography, multidetector CT (MDCT), and MRI. A. A representative normal subject shows AADI (distance between white arrows) and PADI (distance between arrowheads) on plain radiography. B. A representative normal subject shows AADI (distance between white arrows) and PADI (distance between arrowheads) on MDCT. C. A representative normal subject shows AADI (distance between white arrows) and PADI (distance between arrowheads) on MRI.

• 

  Fig. 2 AADI on plain radiography, MDCT, and MRI. The differences and tendencies of the AADI values measured on plain radiography, MDCT, and MRI can be seen. AADI on MDCT is significantly below that on plain radiography and MRI (p < 0.05). Note.-AADI = anterior atlantodental interval, MDCT = multidetector CT, PL = plain radiography

• 

  Fig. 3 PADI on plain radiography, MDCT, and MRI. The differences and tendencies of PADI values measured on plain radiography, MDCT, and MRI can be seen. PADI on plain radiography is significantly larger than on MDCT and MRI (p < 0.05). Note.-MDCT = multidetector CT, PADI = posterior atlantodental interval, PL = plain radiography

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