There is more to spine pathology than just IVDD! On this page, there will be case examples of non-IVDD pathology in the spine, and a list of any useful sequences.

Discospondylitis is an infection of the vertebral endplates and intervertebral disc, most commonly of bacterial origin. Some notable features are:

• Collapse of the IVD
• STIR/T2 hyperintensity
• Contrast enhancement
• Paravertebral inflammation or fluid like collections
• sclerotic changes to vertebrae

Useful sequences:

• STIR
• T1 with and without fat saturation
• T1 post contrast with fat saturation

Some notable features of arachnoid diverticulum:

• Scalpel sign
• Gliosis
• Lesion demonstrates CSF signal characteristics

Useful Sequences:

• 3D Myelogram
• 3D FIESTA-C / CISS
• Sag T2 FSE

FCE is like a 'stroke' in the spinal cord; a small piece of IVD embolizes into a small spinal artery and occludes blood flow leading to ischemia or infarction in the spinal cord.

Notable Features:

• Sharply Demarcated
• Grey matter affected
• Can be linear
• Possible hemorrhage
• Swelling of the spinal cord
• Possible gad enhancement
• T2/STIR hyperintensity

Useful Sequences:

• T2 or STIR
• T1 Post Gad
• T2* if hemorrhage
• DWI if specialized sequences are available