Lumbago [724.2], Reason for Study: ^Reason: question osteo, discitis History: lower back pain For the purpose of this dictation, the lowest visualized intervertebral disc space is labeled L5-S1. Subtle contrast enhancement of L3 infero- anterior endplate, L4-5 disc with adjacent end plates, L5-S1 disc space and upper endplate of S1 vertebral bodies are again demonstrated.The extent of enhancement especially on the L45 disc as well as adjacent endplates appears to be slightly decreased compared to prior scan. Especially on axial scan, the enhancing area of L45 appears to be more discrete than prior scan, however, this finding could be related to difference in imaging technique.There is no change of L45 disc height comparing to prior scan. Minimal bulging of disc on L45 is seen, no change since prior scan.Again these findings suggest possible discitis but degenerative changes cannot be completely excluded.There is no evidence of paravertebral abnormal soft tissue nor abnormal enhancement.There is no epidural or paraspinal mass.There is normal lumbar lordosis. The spine alignment is anatomic. The vertebral body height is preserved. The signal of the visualized cord is normal. The epidural space, thecal sac, and spinal cord are preserved with no evidence of spinal canal/neural foraminal narrowing. The conus medullaris terminates at the L1-L2 level.
1. Interval subtle decreased extent of L45 disc and adjacent endplate enhancement comparing to prior scan.2. Contrast enhancement with endplate changes of L34 and L5S1 discs are redemonstrated, no significant interval change since prior scan. 3. No evidence of spinal canal stenosis, no neural foraminal stenosis.