Fathi, S., Abdel Razek, R. (2024). The Added Value of Short Tau Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequence in Evaluation of Endplate Changes of the Lumbar Spine in Patients with Low Back Pain. Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 27(5), 1-8. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2024.392239
Sarah Y. Fathi; Reda A. Abdel Razek. "The Added Value of Short Tau Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequence in Evaluation of Endplate Changes of the Lumbar Spine in Patients with Low Back Pain". Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 27, 5, 2024, 1-8. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2024.392239
Fathi, S., Abdel Razek, R. (2024). 'The Added Value of Short Tau Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequence in Evaluation of Endplate Changes of the Lumbar Spine in Patients with Low Back Pain', Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 27(5), pp. 1-8. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2024.392239
Fathi, S., Abdel Razek, R. The Added Value of Short Tau Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequence in Evaluation of Endplate Changes of the Lumbar Spine in Patients with Low Back Pain. Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 2024; 27(5): 1-8. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2024.392239
The Added Value of Short Tau Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequence in Evaluation of Endplate Changes of the Lumbar Spine in Patients with Low Back Pain
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt.
2Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt.
Abstract
Background: Endplate change classification in low back pain patients is broadly utilized and is the most recognized method for categorizing endplate changes. Short tau inversion recovery (STIR) images have a significant role in better characterizing bone marrow endplate changes. Aim: To assess the added value of short tau inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence in evaluating endplate changes of patients with low back pain. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study included 100 Patients with low back pain referred to a routine MRI study of the lumbar spine. Sagittal T1W, sagittal and axial T2W, and sagittal STIR sequences were used. Twelve endplates in each patient from D12-S1 levels were evaluated for abnormal signals. Modic change type was recorded. Results: Fifty-seven female and 43 male patients, aged 19 to 72 years, were included. Abnormal STIR signal and abnormal T2W/T1W signal were seen in 8.4% and 9.3% of all endplates, respectively. Forty-five (95.7%) and 54 (33.3%) endplates with Modic type 1 and type 2 changes show abnormal STIR signals, respectively. Conclusion: The STIR sequence has added value and is complementary to T1W and T2W images. When incorporated into the standard non-contrast MRI technique for assessing low back pain, it provides additional information in some individuals.