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Forum Name: Spinal problems and back pain

Question: Cervical Spine Neural Axis

SusanB - Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:13 pm

I am a 50 year old female with cervical spine issues. Diskogenic disease, Spondylosis and foraminal disease. On my most recent MRI the statement, 'There is abnormal enhancement of the neural axis', is listed. What does this mean? Thanks Susan B

Dr. Safaa Mahmoud - Fri Aug 11, 2006 10:22 pm

Hello, Degenerative disc disease, is a gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae in turn narrow disc space. Degeneration of the disc tissue makes the disc more susceptible to herniation. Each disc is formed of a central gel-like inside (nucleus pulposus), surrounded by an outer ring (annulus fibrosus). When this softer component ruptures (herniates) through the outer ring it press directly on nerve roots and irritate adjacent nervous tissue. Disc degeneration results in Spinal stenosis which is narrowing of the spinal canal, nerve root canals, or intervertebral foramina (foraminal stenosis) due to Spondylosis (spinal Arthritis ). To better define and delineate the tissue of interest, a paramagnetic contrast agent is taken for MRI. Tissue uptake for these contrast agents make them enhanced, an expected degree of enhancement (tissue uptake) is known for each tissue and is useful in detecting the changes in the tissue . They are high sensitivity in the detection of vascular tissues (e. g. tumors) and help in assessment of brain perfusion (e. g. in Stroke).

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