Disc-like herniation in association with gas collection in the spinal canal: CT evaluation

Gas production as a part of disk degeneration can occur but rarely causes nerve compression syndromes. Few cases have been reported in which lumbar intraspinal epidural gas cause nerve root compression symptoms. We present 12 cases of gas collection in the spinal canal that were presented to the ort...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of radiology 2005-10, Vol.56 (1), p.1-4
Main Authors: Tsitouridis, Ioannis, Sayegh, Fares E., Papapostolou, Panagiota, Chondromatidou, Stella, Goutsaridou, Fotini, Emmanouilidou, Maria, Sidiropoulou, Maria S., Kapetanos, George A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Biological and medical sciences
Cranial nerves. Spinal roots. Peripheral nerves. Autonomic nervous system. Gustation. Olfaction
Diseases of the osteoarticular system
Diseases of the spine
Epidural gas
Epidural Space - diagnostic imaging
Female
Gases
Herniated disc
Humans
Intervertebral Disc - diagnostic imaging
Intervertebral Disc Displacement - diagnosis
Intradiscal gas
Intraspinal gas
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Low Back Pain - etiology
Lumbar disc degeneration
Lumbar nerve root compression
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Nerve Compression Syndromes - etiology
Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes)
Neurology
Radiculopathy
Sciatica - etiology
Severity of Illness Index
Spinal Canal - diagnostic imaging
Surveys and Questionnaires
Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
Vacuum phenomenon
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Description
Summary:Gas production as a part of disk degeneration can occur but rarely causes nerve compression syndromes. Few cases have been reported in which lumbar intraspinal epidural gas cause nerve root compression symptoms. We present 12 cases of gas collection in the spinal canal that were presented to the orthopaedic out-patient department with symptoms of low back pain and sciatica. CT showed the presence of free epidural gas collections adjacent to or over the affected nerve roots. Relief of symptoms was noted with the change of positions, lying down or sleeping. In this study, we conclude that the presence of lumbar intraspinal epidural gas that causes radicular compressing phenomena, can be easily detected with the use of CT.
ISSN:0720-048X
1872-7727
DOI:10.1016/j.ejrad.2005.04.003