Asian Spine J.  2016 Feb;10(1):164-169. 10.4184/asj.2016.10.1.164.

Diagnosis of Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis using Diffusion Tensor Imaging

• Eguchi Y
• Ohtori S
• Suzuki M
• Oikawa Y
• Yamanaka H
• Tamai H
• Kobayashi
• Orita S
• Yamauchi K
• Suzuki M
• Aoki Y
• Watanabe A
• Kanamoto H
• Takahashi

• KMID: 2169295
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2016.10.1.164

Abstract

Diagnosis of lumbar foraminal stenosis remains difficult. Here, we report on a case in which bilateral lumbar foraminal stenosis was difficult to diagnose, and in which diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was useful. The patient was a 52-year-old woman with low back pain and pain in both legs that was dominant on the right. Right lumbosacral nerve compression due to a massive uterine myoma was apparent, but the leg pain continued after a myomectomy was performed. No abnormalities were observed during nerve conduction studies. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging indicated bilateral L5 lumbar foraminal stenosis. DTI imaging was done. The extraforaminal values were decreased and tractography was interrupted in the foraminal region. Bilateral L5 vertebral foraminal stenosis was treated by transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and the pain in both legs disappeared. The case indicates the value of DTI for diagnosing vertebral foraminal stenosis.

Keyword

Diffusion tensor imaging; Familial lumbar stenosis; Fractional anisotropy

MeSH Terms

Constriction, Pathologic*
Diagnosis*
Diffusion Tensor Imaging*
Diffusion*
Female
Humans
Leg
Leiomyoma
Low Back Pain
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Middle Aged
Neural Conduction