Magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of thoracic disc herniations: correlation of radiological and clinical symptoms

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used for diagnosis of thoracic disc herniations and for management strategy determination. 24 symptomatic patients underwent MRI using sagittal T1 and T2-weighted spine echo and axial multiplanar gradient refocused images. Disc herniations were classified according to their size, location in the spinal canal and to the extent of cord compromise. MRI data correlated with the neurological status in all cases and assisted in the management strategy determination. 10 (41,7%) patients with small disc herniations and compression of subarachnoid space demonstrated pseudoradicular syndrome and were managed conservatively. 14 (58,3%) patients with medium or large disc herniations and compression of the cord demonstrated myelopathy or radicularpathy syndrome and were managed surgically. Our results show that MRI is a useful diagnostic tool for diagnosis, management strategy determination and assessment of treatment results.