MRI IN THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSISOF VERTEBRAL WEDGE DEFORMITY

Objective. To specify the MRI abilities in differential diagnosis of vertebral wedge deformity. Material and Methods. The study is based on the analysis of MRI findings in 43 patients aged from 24 to 64 years with a preliminary clinical and radiological diagnosis of pathologic fracture and wedge deformity of vertebral bodies. Results. MRI study revealed vertebral metastases in 31 (72.1 %) patients; inflammatory disease (spondylitis) in 8 (18.6 %), vertebral osteoporosis in 3 (7.0 %), and traumatic vertebral fracture in 1 (2.3 %) patient. Diagnosis in all patients was confirmed by surgical treatment results and clinical examination data. Conclusions. MRI is an informative method for differential diagnosis of the vertebral wedge deformity which provides reliable identification of main pathological processes causing the occurrence of wedge vertebral deformity, decrease in duration of patient’s preliminary examination, and timely choice of the appropriate treatment.