Schmorl's node developing in the lumbar vertebra affected with metastatic carcinoma: correlation magnetic resonance imaging with histological findings.

STUDY

DESIGN

Described is magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of unusual Schmorl's node occurring in the lumbar vertebra affected with metastatic carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

To know MR features of Schmorl's node with a neoplastic background.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Schmorl's nodes occasionally develop in the vertebrae affected with metastatic carcinoma; however, their MR images have been rarely illustrated.

METHODS

The spinal column dissected from a 65-year-old man who died of esophageal carcinoma was examined. Specimen radiographs and MR images were correlated to histologic sections.

RESULTS

T1-weighted spin-echo image revealed intervertebral disc displacement into the second lumbar vertebra, which showed intermediate signal intensity, and a surrounding area of lower signal intensity. Short T1 inversion recovery image exhibited a crescent area of high signal intensity surrounding a focus of intermediate signal intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

MR features consisting of two different signal patterns are characteristic for Schmorl's node with a neoplastic background. The conditions should be distinguished from Schmorl's nodes in an acute phase, which show similar MR features.