Dear Dr. Corenman:
OK, this question was coming!
Again: “T9-T10 RIGHT SUBARTICULAR ZONE LARGE DISC EXTRUSION EXTENDING 4.7 MM POSTERIORLY AND 10 MM SUPERIORLY WITH RIGHT LATERAL RECESS STENOSIS AND MASS EFFECT ON THE EXITING RIGHT T9 NERVE”
“Findings: There is probably focal fat versus hemangioma of the T9 vertebral body. A focal T10 inferior endplate defect is compatible with a Schmorl’s node as at T12 superior endplate….”
Do you think the radiologist is saying that there are Schmorl’s nodes at both T10 and T12? (The rest of the finding were just statements of the normal.) If so: I have a herniation of the T9-T10 disc (?terminology) and a Schmorl’s node at T10. Does the presence of a Schmorl’s node at T12 suggest a susceptible disc at T11-T12? [Imaging (or just select images) is available if there is a mechanism to present it.]
Do you know what “focal fat versus hemangioma” means in the above findings? I interpret it (with VERY minimal experience) to mean “old” or possibly “normal”. (BTW: I effectively ordered this test in pain and amidst the xmas holidays and chose to forgo gadolinium, thinking “what’s next?”)
While probably not strictly indicated, I’m keen to get a followup scan. Will gadolinium add anything in this context? I realize reactions are rare but so are T-spine herniations.
Cheers