J Korean Radiol Soc.  1995 Jul;33(1):21-26.

Gd-Enhanced MR Imagings of the Herniated Lumbar Disc: Patterns of Enhancement

• kim HY
• Chung EC
• Choi HY
• Kim YK
• Kwag HJ
• Kim AY

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to describe the patterns of enhancement of the herniated lumbar disc with Gd-DTPA enhanced MR imaging.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Out of 65 patients, 103 lumbar discs diagnosed to be herniated by MR image were retrospectively analyzed. The MR imaging was performed with 1.5 T MR unit, using T1- and T2- weighted sagittal and axial spin echo techniques. Contrast- enhanced T1 weighted sagittal and axial images were performed after intravenous injection of Gadopentetate-dimeglumine(Magnevist, Shering) (0.1 mmol/kg).
RESULTS
Contrast enhancement was seen in 66 cases(64%). Thirteen cases of bulging disc were not enhanced. Twenty-eight cases of protruded disc showed intraannular enhancement in 23 cases, peripheral linear and irregular enhancement in each of one case, and nonenhancement in three cases. Fifty-seven cases of extruded disc showed irregular enhancement in 14 cases, peripheral linear enhancement in 12 cases, peripheral ring enhancement in five cases and intraannular enhancement in five cases. All five cases of sequestered disc showed peripheral ring enhancement.
CONCLUSION
Protruded discs show intraannular enhancement frequently and sequestered discs usually show peripheral ring enhancement. Enhanced MR imaging may be helpful to evaluate the type of herniated lumbar disc and relationship among disc material, nerve root and thecal sac.

MeSH Terms

Gadolinium DTPA
Humans
Injections, Intravenous
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Retrospective Studies
Gadolinium DTPA