RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Patterns of Intrathecal Ossification in Arachnoiditis Ossificans: A Retrospective Case Series
JF American Journal of Neuroradiology
JO Am. J. Neuroradiol.
FD American Society of Neuroradiology
SP 228
OP 234
DO 10.3174/ajnr.A7764
VO 44
IS 2
A1 B. Thejeel
A1 C.S. Geannette
A1 M. Roytman
A1 D.J. Pisapia
A1 J.L. Chazen
A1 S.T. Jawetz
YR 2023
UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/44/2/228.abstract
AB SUMMARY: Arachnoiditis ossificans is an uncommon end-stage appearance of chronic adhesive arachnoiditis. Imaging features of arachnoiditis ossificans are characteristic and should be diagnosed to avoid unnecessary intervention and guide prognosis and management. In this case series, we retrospectively analyzed CT and MR imaging of 41 patients to identify common patterns of intrathecal ossification and present the common etiologies. Thirty-two patients had a confirmed history of spinal instrumentation, 7 were discovered on imaging without prior surgical history, 1 had a history of ankylosing spondylitis, and 1 had trauma. The most frequent site of ossification was at the conus and cauda equina. Four patterns of ossification were identified, including central, nerve root encasing, weblike, and peripheral. Arachnoiditis ossificans is an important, likely under-recognized consideration in patients who present with back pain. Diagnosis can be made readily on CT; MR imaging diagnosis is also possible but may be challenging.AOarachnoiditis ossificans