Radiologic Assessment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and its Clinical Correlation

Czech version

Authors: B. Adamová ^1,2; M. Mechl ³; T. Andrašinová ¹; J. Bednařík ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Neurologická klinika LF MU a FN Brno ¹; CEITEC – Středoevropský technologický institut MU, Brno ²; Radiologická klinika LF MU a FN Brno ³
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2015; 78/111(2): 139-147
Category: Review Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.14735/amcsnn2015130

Overview

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a clinical-radiological syndrome; a recent definition covers both the clinical manifestation and the anatomic abnormality (narrowing of the spinal canal). Magnetic resonance imaging is suggested as the most appropriate non-invasive test to confirm the presence of anatomic narrowing of the spinal canal or the presence of nerve root impingement in patients with clinical suspicion of lumbar spinal stenosis. Many numerical parameters describing the dimensions of spinal canal have been defined for more precise assessment of radiological images; correlation between these radiological parameters and clinical symptoms, however, is unsatisfactory. To improve the usefulness of radiological imaging in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, it seems to be meaningful to take into account the dynamic aspect of lumbar spinal stenosis and to assess neural and vascular tissue impingement based on morphology of the dural sac and its content.

Key words:
lumbar spinal stenosis – magnetic resonance imaging – computed tomography –perimyelography – plain radiography – neurogenic claudication

The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.

The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE “uniform requirements” for biomedical papers.

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