Vertebral body fracture - dual energy CT

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall and back pain.

Patient Data

Age: 75 years
Gender: Female

An acute T12 fracture involves the anterior and right lateral vertebral body cortex, the inferior endplate, and extends to the lateral base of the right pedicle with minimal height loss. No retropulsion. This is confirmed on dual-energy imaging with bone marrow edema seen in the anterior and inferior parts of the vertebral body.

Background thoracolumbar spondylosis and scoliosis with facet arthropathy.

Case Discussion

Although the bone algorithm images nicely demonstrate the fracture, bone marrow edema confirmed on dual-energy CT is helpful in confirming that this fracture is acute.

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