Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the feasibility of MR-guided discography using an open 1 Tesla MRI system.
Methods
48 disc segments of 41 patients scheduled for intradiscal thermal treatment, total disc replacement or spondylodesis were examined. A 1.0-T open MRI was used for instrument guidance and imaging. After primary disc puncture under guidance of interactive PDw TSE imaging, 1–2 ml of gadolinium contrast saline mixture was injected into the disc. The occurrence of memory pain during injection was recorded. Axial and sagittal T1w TSE images with and without fat saturation were obtained. All MRI discograms were analysed by two readers, who were blinded to the clinical findings.
Results
Overall, the placement of the puncture needle in the targeted disc was accurate under real-time MR guidance. Injections were technically successful in all cases. No major complications occurred. The mean procedure time was 17 min (range 13–34 min). Image quality of contrast-enhanced MR discograms was excellent when using an optimized gadolinium contrast saline mixture of 1:600. Memory pain was detected in 16 out of 48 affected segments.
Conclusion
MR-guided discography is accurate and safe. Multiplanar dynamic imaging facilitates the puncture of discs and provides high-quality MR discograms.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Heidi Kotalla, surgical nurse, and Andreas Thomas, MRI technician, for their collaboration and support.
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Streitparth, F., Hartwig, T., Schnackenburg, B. et al. MR-guided discography using an open 1 Tesla MRI system. Eur Radiol 21, 1043–1049 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-010-2011-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-010-2011-4