Can contrast-enhanced MRI bring new information in diagnosis of disc herniation?

Abstract

In addition to high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of herniation MRI has the potential to predict spontaneous resorption of the herniation and the clinical course of disease. If symptoms persist MRI may help in deciding between surgical and conservative therapy.

The aim of our case report is to show that MRI and especially postcontrast MRI has some potential in predicting the clinical course of the disease, which is not yet sufficiently exploited.

Keywords

• conservative treatment
• lumbar disc herniation
• magnetic resonance imaging
• rim enhancement
• spontaneous regression