Compared with the Conventional MR Imaging, Do the Constructive Interference Steady State Sequence and Diffusion Weighted Imaging Aid in the Diagnosis of Lumbar Disc Hernias?

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) and Constructive Interference Steady State (CISS) sequences in the depiction of lumbar disc hernias, including sequestrated and extruded discs. MATERIALS AND METHODS 100 patients; 35 males and 65 females, with 3 sequestration-16 extruded and 81 protruded all together 100 herniated discs were involved in this study. If a patient had more than one herniated disc, then the more precise herniation was included. All the MRI procedures were handled in Siemens Symphony Power 1.5 T. magnet. DWI- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC mapping) and CISS sequences were obtained in axial planes. Statistical analysis of CISS and DWI results were analysed by fischer's test, chi square statistics. RESULTS CISS sequence had a 89% sensitivity, 100% specificity for all lumbar disc hernias, had 100% sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of sequestrated and extruded discs. DWI had a 77% sensitivity and %100 specificity, had 100% sensitivity and 50% specificity in the evaluation of extrusion, 100% sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of sequestration. CONCLUSION CISS sequence and quantitative DWI may be alternative imaging modalities to the routine MR imaging sequences in the depiction of lumbar disc hernias, including sequestration and extruded discs.