Spontaneous Regression of Sequestrated Lumbar Disc Herniation – Three Case Reports

Czech version

Authors: Andrea Burgetová ¹ ; Z. Seidl ^1,2; M. Mašek ¹; P. Dušek ³; P. Hostaša ¹; J. Němcová ²; M. Vaněčková ¹
Authors‘ workplace: Radiodiagnostická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN v Praze ¹; Vyšší zdravotnická škola, Praha ²; Neurologická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN v Praze ³
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2010; 73/106(6): 721-724
Category: Case Report

Overview

An improvement of clinical symptoms of radicular syndrome caused by a free disc fragment accompanying disc herniation in the course of conservative therapy is not unusual in some patients. The pathophysiological processes that underlie this improvement are not fully understood. We present three patients who experienced a partial or complete resorption of disc herniation-free disc fragment in the lumbar region, which was accompanied by an amelioration of clinical symptoms and documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim is to support the position that MRI has not only diagnostic value but also, as is addressed in the discussion, the potential to provide prognostic information for any spontaneous regression of hernia and make easier the decision of whether to proceed with conservative or surgical therapy.

Key words:
disc herniation – sequestrated disc regression – magnetic resonance imaging – conservative treatment

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