MRI EXAMINATION OF THE LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST
INDICATION FOR
STUDY: Low back pain.
FINDINGS: Sagittal T1 and T2 and axial
T1 and T2 weighted images were obtained on the Open MRI at XXXXXXX. The vertebral bodies appear to show slight
desiccation of the disc. There is
exaggeration of the normal curvature, but no significant spondylolisthesis, but
slight offset at the levels of L3-L4 and L4-L5 of few millimeters. The patient also has slight rotary
scoliosis. The conus and nerve roots
within the thecal sac show no gross abnormality. There is a simple appearing cyst in the left
kidney. There are degenerative changes
and atherosclerotic changes. There are
changes consistent with a compression deformity of the T12 vertebral body. This does appear to have edema within it and
concerning for subacute fracture with only slight vertebral body height
loss. Other etiologies cannot completely
be excluded. If there is any further
concern, contrast evaluation or further evaluation may be considered or
correlation with other imaging studies.
At the level of
L1-L2, there is slight indentation on the anterior thecal sac, but no
significant central canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing.
At the level of
L2-L3, there is ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, which appears prominent. There are degenerative changes of the facet
joints. These changes overall are
causing mild central canal stenosis.
There is no significant disc herniation or neuroforaminal narrowing.
At the level of
L3-L4, there is prominent ligament flavum hypertrophy, degenerative changes of
the facet joints, and slight indentation on the anterior thecal sac. These changes overall are causing mild
central canal stenosis. There is slight
indentation on the exiting nerve roots, but no significant impingement.
At the level of
L4-L5, there is mild disc bulge with indentation on the anterior thecal
sac. There is no significant central
canal stenosis. There are slight
degenerative changes of the facet joints.
There is no significant neuroforaminal narrowing.
At the level of
L5-S1, there is slight indentation on the anterior thecal sac, but no
significant central canal stenosis.
There is no significant neuroforaminal narrowing. There are degenerative changes of the facet
joints. If there is any further concern,
would recommend further evaluation as necessary.
IMPRESSION: Compression deformity with edema
in the T12 vertebral body with very little vertebral body height loss. There are degenerative changes and changes
consistent with spinal stenosis as discussed above for each of the levels. A preliminary report was discussed with Dr. XXXXXXX. Would recommend further evaluation
as clinically necessary.
Thank you for the referral.
XXXXXXX