Presentation
Severe low back pain and bilateral sciatica.
Patient Data
Age: 70 years.
Gender: Female
From the case:
Kümmell disease (avascular necrosis of the vertebrae)
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Osteoporotic fracture of T10, T11, T12, L1 and L2 vertebrae. L1 vertebral body cleft filled with fluid inside seen in early avascular necrosis.
Case Discussion
The findings of the MR images are compatible with Kümmell disease.
Kümmell disease is avascular necrosis of vertebral bodies. It occurs in elderly and osteoporotic patients and is more common in females. A fluid cleft inside the vertebral body is the precursor to the gas inside the vertebra later on in the disease.