Korean J Pain.  2010 Mar;23(1):51-54.

Spinal Nerve Root Swelling Mimicking Intervertebral Disc Herniation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Case Report

• Kim YY
• Lee JH
• Kwon YE
• Gim TJ

Abstract

A herniated intervertebral disc is the most common type of soft tissue mass lesion within the lumbar spinal canal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful tool for the assessment of patients with lower back pain and radiating pain, especially intervertebral disc herniation. MRI findings of intervertebral disc herniation are typical. However, from time to time, despite an apparently classic history and typical MRI findings suggestive of disc herniation, surgical exploration fails to reveal any lesion of an intervertebral disc. Our patient underwent lumbar disc surgery with the preoperative diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation; however, nothing could be found during the surgical procedure, except a swollen nerve root.

Keyword

herniated intervertebral disc; magnetic resonance imaging; nerve root

MeSH Terms

Humans
Intervertebral Disc
Low Back Pain
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Magnetics
Magnets
Spinal Canal
Spinal Nerve Roots
Spinal Nerves

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Sagittal (A) and axial (B, C) T2-weighted MRI showing disc extrusion (white arrows) at the L4-5.

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