Vertebral pneumatocysts

Case contributed by Ahmed Abdrabou
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Long standing neck pain and recently developed left brachialgia

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Small rounded lucent lesions at the posterior aspect of C3, C4, C5 and C6 vertebrae. Degenerative changes of cervical spine.

ct

The lesions appear as air filled cysts seen at the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies of C3,4,5 and C6 adjacent to the vertebral end plates. There is also gas within the intervertebral discs and possible communication between the cysts and the intradiscal gas.

mri

The previously noted lesions appear hypointense on T1 and T2 and initially reported as sclerotic metastases and advise for CT.

Annotated image

Magnified CT images showing possible communication between the air filled cysts and the gas within the intervertebral discs.

Case Discussion

Vertebral pneumatocysts are air filled cavities within the vertebral bodies similar to other intraosseous pneumatocysts seen elsewhere specially adjacent to the sacroiliac joints. CT is diagnostic and differential diagnosis include necrotic neoplasm, osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis and post surgical sequel.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.