Sciatica Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Sciatica, including details on treatment, prevention, medication.

Disc-like herniation in association with gas collection in the spinal canal: CT evaluation.

Tsitouridis I, Sayegh FE, Papapostolou P, Chondromatidou S, Goutsaridou F, Emmanouilidou M, Sidiropoulou MS, Kapetanos GA

Radiology Department, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Peripheral Rd., Nea Efkarpia, 546 29 Thessaloniki, Greece. hanjk@radcom.snu.ac.kr

Gas production as a part of disk degeneration can occur but rarely causes nerve compression syndromes. Few cases have been reported in which lumbar intraspinal epidural gas cause nerve root compression symptoms. We present 12 cases of gas collection in the spinal canal that were presented to the orthopaedic out-patient department with symptoms of low back pain and sciatica. CT showed the presence of free epidural gas collections adjacent to or over the affected nerve roots. Relief of symptoms was noted with the change of positions, lying down or sleeping. In this study, we conclude that the presence of lumbar intraspinal epidural gas that causes radicular compressing phenomena, can be easily detected with the use of CT.

Published 19 September 2005 in Eur J Radiol, 56(1): 1-4.
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