ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the pathology and MRI features of the degeneration of lumbar intervertebral discs (IVD). Methods Thirteen human lumbar spine segments with 31 IVDs were harvested from fresh cadavers. High quality radiographs were taken for all specimens. Five segments with 20 IVD underwent MRI. Then, the radiographic and MRI findings were correlated with corresponding 87 pathologic sections. Results Variant degeneration was observed in pathologic sections in all 31 IVDs. With MRI T 2WI images, 20 IVDs showed linear and spotty high signal in the annular fibers, or most of the IVD showed high signal. On pathologic cuts, 22 of 31 IVDs showed infolding of annular fibers, 18 of 31 showed outfolding of annular fibers. On MRI T 1WI and T 2WI images, infolding and outfinding of annular fibers were seen as low signal. 20 of 31 IVDs had necrotic debris of cells in the nucleus pulposus. 14 of 20 demonstrated spotty low signal areas on MRI T 2WI images.7 Schmorl nodules were found. On pathologic sections Schmorl nodules were seen as IVD tissue protruding into vertebral endplates, they were seen as high signal on T 2WI images. Two large fissures found on sections were seen as low signal on T 2WI. Degenerative fibrosis seen on 6 IVD, which showed intermediate signal on T 2WI images. However, radiographs only demonstrated osteophytes on 3 vertebrae, 7 Schmorl's nodules. Sclerotic, concave and irregular endplates were seen in 11 IVDs, the latter is the indication of cartilaginous endplate disruption. Conclusion MRI is very useful in demonstrating the degeneration of IVD, radiograph is able to indirectly show the disapperance of cartilaginous endplate.
ABSTRACT
Radiologic examination was carried out on 114 subjects with chondromalacia ofpatella with follow up study for 1～17 years.All patients had a history of injury and/or overstrainedknee. The main early X-ray findings were :subchondral bone absorption and cystic degeneration ofpatella,sclerosis and haziness of the articular surface of patella, formation of small spur,subchon-dral bone absorption of articular surface of the femur,synovial thickening,patellar ligament widenedwith indistinct margin, hazy reticular appearance of subpatella fat, and thickened quadriceps femoraltendon etc. The X-ray manifestations of patella and adjacent tissue of patella became progressivelymore obvious but sparing the soft tissue with elapse of time.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the value of MRI in diagnosing pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). Methods MRI appearance of 23 pathologically proven cases of PVNS was analyzed. Results In 23 patients with PVNS, 9 cases occurred in knee joint, 9 cases in hip, 3 cases in ankle, 1 in elbow, and 1 in wrist. X ray of the 23 patients could only show the joint effusion, and bony erosion was found in 19 cases. CT scan showed joint effusion and bony erosion more clearly than X ray in 4 cases. The typical MRI appearance included intra articular joint effusion and extensive synovial proliferation which led to progressive destruction of cartilage and bone. The pigmented villonodules showed nodular low signal on both T 1WI and T 2WI, especially in FFE/T 2WI. Conclusion MRI is the most effective modality in the diagnosis of PVNS.