[Thoraco-lumbar disc disease with nerve root impingement and differential diagnosis]

Abstract

This paper will review the diagnostic imaging work-up of disc-related nerve root impingement including the role and technique of CT and MRI. Clinical and anatomical elements will be reviewed along with considerations regarding the radiology report, including a review of the proper descriptive terminology. Finally, clinical and imaging pitfalls will be discussed. In addition to specific features related to thoracic and lumbar segments, clinical and imaging differential diagnoses are reviewed : non-disc related radicular pain (intradural or extra-spinal), differential diagnosis of "enlarged" nerve roots (free disc fragment, cyst of a nerve root sleeve, tumors, normal variants...)