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

• 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
• ISSN: 0720-048X; 1872-7727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2005.04.003

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.