STIR Sequence for Depiction of Degenerative Changes in Posterior Stabilizing Elements in Patients with Lower Back Pain

Abstract

Degenerative changes in the posterior paraspinal structures were found in a higher percentage of subjects with lower back pain than in controls. Use of a STIR sequence with homogeneous fat suppression facilitates visualization of these changes.

Pedicle Marrow Signal Hyperintensity on Short Tau Inversion Recovery- and T2-Weighted Images: Prevalence and Relationship to Clinical Symptoms

“…33,34 Adjacent soft tissue hyperintensity on STIR sequences in almost a third of our patients suggests that in the symptomatic stage, altered biome- chanical forces affect not just the bone but exert secondary effects within the adjacent soft tissues as well. We saw these soft tissue changes in patients with pars and pedicle fractures as well as degenerative facet disease.…”

Atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation (AARD) in pediatric age: MRI study on conservative treatment with Philadelphia collar—experience of nine consecutive cases

“…2c). STIR sequences were preferred over fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequences, because they give more homogeneous fat signal suppression and a better definition of the inflammatory edema [12]. In this study, the signal changes were highlighted in the joint capsules, PLS, alar ligaments and, if associated with anterior displacement (type 2 according to Fielding and Hawkins) in the transverse ligament; in this case, in particular, lesions can be localized in the context of the ligamentous structures or in their insertion points on the bony structures (Fig.…”

Muscle biopsy substantiates long‐term MRI alterations one year after a single dose of botulinum toxin injected into the lateral gastrocnemius muscle of healthy volunteers

“…These sequences have been demonstrated to be highly efficient in detecting edema or inflammatory changes within skeletal muscle. [39][40][41][42] They are commonly used to assess the degree of involvement in inflammatory myopathies and as a guide to biopsy the most acutely involved muscular portion. 42,44 Significant inflammation could not be detected at the light and electron microscopic (fine structural) level.…”

“…These sequences suppress the signal of fat, while simultaneously retaining a T2-weighting of the images. STIR sequences are especially good at detecting edema and at differentiating edema from a mere fatty infiltration [39][40][41][42] and the degree of muscular inflammation. 40,41 In addition, T1-weighted sequences were applied in order to detect fatty infiltration of the injected muscle.…”