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Introduction: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is one of the main causes of low back pain (LBP). Standardized diagnostic algorithms for adequate estimation and classification of changes of lumbar discs are mandatory before starting with therapy.Methods: One hundred patients who were indicated for lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in the study. Pfirrmann grading system was used for the determination of IDD, while the visual analog scale (VAS) is used for evaluation of the intensity of LBP. To quantification of disability for LBP, we used the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).Result: Results showed higher Pfirrmann grades II and III for L2/L3 and L3/L4 lumbar levels and lower scores at L4/L5 and L5/S1. The analysis also showed low scores at the L2/3 and L3/4 lumbar level for Pfirrmann grades IV and V, and there was an increased at more inferior lumbosacral levels L4/5 and L5/S1. There was a significant correlation between Pfirrmann grades and ODI (p = 0.24) as well as VAS (p = 0.16).Conclusion: Higher Pfirrmann grades correlated with increased ODI and VAS. Therefore, MRI can be used as a strong indicator of clinical appearance, but it is important to take into consideration that LBP should be correlated with clinical features. By summing Pfirrmann grades of all lumbar intervertebral levels in each patient, we can get more accurate insight for the status of the lumbar spine.

Research goal:The aim of the research is to define the possibilities of TVU and the MRI in the diagnosis of the most common benign ovarian lesions which cause pelvic pain.Patients and methods:In study were included n=74 patients with pelvic pain, who were examined with TVU and then with an MRI of pelvis. Diagnostic results of all patients (n=74) divided into two groups according to the modality that was performed (TVU results n=74 and MRI results n=74 MRI ). We compared the results of TVU and MRI, and with a pathohistological finding after surgery. TVU test sensitivity and MRI test sensitivity has been made for each pathological entity in particular. The overall sensitivity test of TVU was performed for all pathological entities together. The overall sensitivity test of MRI was performed for all pathological entities together.Results:TVU demonstrated sensitivity of 83.3% for ectopic pregnancy, 83.3% for ovarian torsion, 84% for endometriotic cyst, 88.2% for hemorrhagic cysts, 58.3% for tubo-ovarian abscesses, 62.5% for dermoid cysts. Overall sensitivity of TVU for all these pathological entities was 78.4%. MRI showed a sensitivity of 100% for ovarian ectopic pregnancy, 83.3% for ovarian torsion, 100% for endometriotic cyst, 100% of hemorrhagic cysts, 83.3% tubo-ovarian abscess, and 87.5% for dermoid cysts. Overall sensitivity of MRI in all of these pathological entities was 94.6%. The analysis using the chi square test shows that there is a significant difference in the sensitivity between the US and MRI in favor of greater overall MRI sensitivity in diagnosing ovarian pain caused by benign lesions. (χ2 = 14.352, df = 9, p = 0.0021).Conclusion:TVU is the first choice method for ovarian analysis due to the convenience and absence of radiation, and MRI is a very useful modality when TVU’s results are confusing and unspecific.

Introduction: Axial-loaded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can simulate an upright position of the patient may cause a significant reduction of the dural sac cross-sectional area (DCSA) compared with standard MRI, thus providing valuable information in the assessment of the lumbar spinal canal. The purpose of this study was to investigate excessiveness of the change in DCSA and depth of lateral recesses (DLRs) before and after axial-loaded imaging in relation to body mass index (BMI) of the subjects.Methods: Twenty patients were scanned to evaluate DCSA and DLR at three consecutive lumbar spine intervertebral disc levels (L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1) on conventional-recumbent MRI, and after axial loading were applied.Results: Axial-loaded MRI demonstrates a significant difference of DSCA in comparison to conventional MRI. Furthermore, results show a significant correlation between the DCSA and BMI on level L3/L4, both before and after axial loading MRI. With axial loading, there is a reduction of DSCA of 12.2%, 12.1%, and 2.1% at the levels L3/L4, L4/L5, and L5/S1, respectively. After axial loading has been applied, the depth of the neural foramen has been reduced by an average of 10.1%.Conclusion: Axial-loaded MRI reduces DCSA and DLRs in comparison to standard MRI. Information obtained in this way may be useful to explain the patient’s symptomatology and may provide an additional insight that can influence the treatment decision plan accordingly.

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