Abstract
It is difficult to differentiate recurrent lumbar disc herniation (LDH) from scar tissue by plain MRI and myelogram.
We evaluated the use of enhanced MRI in the diagnosis of recurrent LDH.
20 patients with recurrent symptoms after surgery for LDH were studied. We described and classified the MRI findings, then compared the diagnostic results following enhanced MRI and findings in the reoperation.
The increased signals were found around discs in recurrent LDH. The MRI suggested suspected recurrent LDH in 4 cases, recurrent LDH in 15 cases, and 17 cases were found in surgery. There were abnormal enhanced zones between anuli fibrosi and end-plates in 3 (3/5) early recurrent LDH patients.
Our observations indicate enhanced MRI is informative for diagnosing recurrent LDH.
