Abstract
BackgroundDiffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) shows the early changes in microscopical movement of water molecules, hence diagnosis of early sacroiliitis which is one of the diagnostic criteria of seronegative spondyloarthropathies. ObjectiveTo determine the value of DW-MRI in detection of signal characteristics of the sacroiliac joints in patients with early ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Patients and methodsFifteen patients with clinically suspected AS, 20 patients with mechanical low back pain and 20 healthy controls underwent conventional MRI and DWI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was measured. In addition ten clinically confirmed AS patients underwent whole body-DWI. ResultsMean ADC values of both sacroiliac joints in AS patients were (0.523±0.15)×10−3mm2/s in the ilium and (0.502±0.15)×10−3mm2/s in the sacrum. There was no significant difference between mechanical LBP and healthy controls. But there was a significant difference between AS and LBP patients. Mean ADC value of focal lesions of clinically confirmed AS was 0.965±0.25×10−3mm2/s in the sacrum and 0.932±0.31×10−3mm2/s in the ilium. ConclusionSubchondral bone marrow ADC values of sacroiliac joints allow differentiation between inflammatory and mechanical LBP. Furthermore, it may be helpful in evaluating the efficacy of the treatment and determine disease prognosis.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: The Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.