PURPOSE: To examine histopathologically the endothelium of contrast-enhancing spinal nerve roots. METHODS: In five adult baboons, chronic compression of the left S-1 spinal nerve root sufficient to produce a change in the evoked potential was produced by means of a suture tied around the nerve. The animals were studied with MR at 8 and 16 days after nerve compression and then killed for histopathologic and electron microscopic studies. Histopathologic changes in the nerve roots demonstrating contrast enhancement were described. RESULTS: In all compressed spinal nerves, contrast enhancement was observed. Histopathologically, wallerian degeneration of the root and inflammation and disruption of the endothelium of capillaries in the spinal nerve were evident. CONCLUSIONS: Degenerative changes in the nerve root and the capillary endothelium of a lumbar spinal nerve are associated with contrast enhancement.
PURPOSE: To examine histopathologically the endothelium of contrast-enhancing spinal nerve roots. METHODS: In five adult baboons, chronic compression of the left S-1 spinal nerve root sufficient to produce a change in the evoked potential was produced by means of a suture tied around the nerve. The animals were studied with MR at 8 and 16 days after nerve compression and then killed for histopathologic and electron microscopic studies. Histopathologic changes in the nerve roots demonstrating contrast enhancement were described. RESULTS: In all compressed spinal nerves, contrast enhancement was observed. Histopathologically, wallerian degeneration of the root and inflammation and disruption of the endothelium of capillaries in the spinal nerve were evident. CONCLUSIONS: Degenerative changes in the nerve root and the capillary endothelium of a lumbar spinal nerve are associated with contrast enhancement.
Authors: J A Maloney; D M Mirsky; K Messacar; S R Dominguez; T Schreiner; N V Stence Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2014-11-20 Impact factor: 3.825