¹⁸F-FDG PET/MRI in Chronic Sciatica: Early Results Revealing Spinal and Nonspinal Abnormalities.

Abstract

Chronic sciatica is a major cause of disability worldwide, but accurate diagnosis of the causative pathology remains challenging. In this report, the feasibility of an ¹⁸F-FDG PET/MRI approach for improved diagnosis of chronic sciatica is presented. <b>Methods:</b>¹⁸F-FDG PET/MRI was performed on 9 chronic sciatica patients and 5 healthy volunteers (healthy controls). Region-of-interest analysis using SUV_max was performed, and ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in lesions was compared with that in the corresponding areas in healthy controls. <b>Results:</b> Significantly increased ¹⁸F-FDG uptake was observed in detected lesions in all patients and was correlated with pain symptoms. ¹⁸F-FDG-avid lesions not only were found in impinged spinal nerves but also were associated with nonspinal causes of pain, such as facet joint degeneration, pars defect, or presumed scar neuroma. <b>Conclusion:</b> The feasibility of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/MRI for diagnosing pain generators in chronic sciatica was demonstrated, revealing various possible etiologies.