Pars defect - T1 VIBE sequence (MRI)

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Chronic low back pain

Patient Data

Age: 16 years
Gender: Male

Marrow edema in the left L5 pedicle with a left-sided complete pars defect.

Case Discussion

Pars stress injuries and fractures/defects are a common cause of low back pain in adolescents. The T1 VIBE sequence has been shown equivalent to CT in demonstrating a defect and its use can result in a reduction in ionizing radiation exposure. 

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