Distinguishing Benign and Malignant Vertebral Fractures Using CT and MRI

Benedikt J. Schwaiger, Alexandra S. Gersing, Thomas Baum, Christian R. Krestan, Jan S. Kirschke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

The differential diagnosis between benign and malignant vertebral fractures is a common challenge in clinical practice, especially because osteoporotic fractures become more frequent within the aging population and many malignant diseases spread to the bone first, impacting bone integrity. This article reviews the morphological features and computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging findings that help differentiate between benign and malignant fractures. Newer techniques such as MR-based diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced MR, and chemical-shift imaging as well as hybrid techniques such as positron emission tomography-CT are also discussed briefly.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)345-352
Number of pages8
JournalSeminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology
Volume20
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2016

Keywords

  • cancer
  • fracture
  • imaging
  • osteoporosis
  • spine

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