The presence of specific follow-up MR imaging findings by clinical status
| MR Imaging Findings | Clinically Improved (n = 23) | Not Clinically Improved* (n = 10) | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≥1 level involved | 4 (17) | 0 (0) | .29 |
| Disk space enhancement | 17 (74) | 8/9 (89) | .64 |
| T2 disk space abnormality | 15 (65) | 9 (90) | .22 |
| Epidural enhancement | 13 (57) | 6/9 (67) | .70 |
| Canal abscess | 2 (9) | 1 (10) | 1 |
| Canal compromise (%) | |||
| >25% | 7 (30) | 3/9 (33) | 1 |
| >50% | 3 (13) | 0/9 (0) | .54 |
| Paraspinal abscess | 3 (13) | 2/9 (22) | .60 |
| Paraspinal inflammation | |||
| None | 10 (43) | 2/9 (22) | |
| Mild | 11 (48) | 6/9 (67) | |
| Moderate | 2 (9) | 1/9 (11) | .32 |
| Severe | 0 | 0 | |
| Vertebral body enhancement | |||
| None | 2 (9) | 0 | |
| 1%–33% | 4 (17) | 1 (10) | .61 |
| 34%–66% | 2 (9) | 2 (20) | |
| >66% | 15 (65) | 7 (70) | |
| Vertebral marrow edema | |||
| None | 1 (4) | 0 | |
| 1%–33% | 4 (17) | 1 (10) | .83 |
| 34%–66% | 2 (9) | 2 (20) | |
| >66% | 16 (70) | 7 (70) | |
| Vertebral body loss of height | |||
| None | 7 (30) | 0 | |
| 1%–33% | 10 (43) | 8 (80) | .42 |
| 34%–66% | 1 (4) | 1 (10) | |
| >66% | 5 (22) | 1 (10) |
Note:—One patient did not receive contrast on the follow-up MR imaging, thereby limiting evaluation of epidural, paraspinal, and disk space enhancement.
* Unless otherwise specified.