Investig Magn Reson Imaging.  2022 Dec;26(4):294-302. 10.13104/imri.2022.26.4.294.

Clinical Significance of Redundant Nerve Roots of the Cauda Equina in Spine MRI

• Kim JS
• Lee IS
• Song YS
• Nam KH
• Kim DH
• Hong SB

• KMID: 2538316
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13104/imri.2022.26.4.294

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the association of redundant nerve roots of the cauda equina (RNRCEs) with the degree and duration of symptoms in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis.
Materials and Methods
Between January 2017 and December 2018, 224 patients demonstrating central canal stenosis on lumbar spine MRI were included. Various imaging findings associated with spinal canal stenosis were investigated, as were the presence, level, type, and length of RNRCEs, and the presence of nerve root swelling. Clinically, the degree of symptoms and symptom changes after treatment were investigated. Multinomial logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.
Results
RNRCEs were present in 142 patients (63.4%). Most RNRCEs were observed above the level of stenosis (47.3%). RNRCE was associated with the number of stenoses and symptom duration (p < 0.05). The presence, level, type, and length of RNRCE and nerve root swelling significantly affected the severity of symptoms (p < 0.05). The type of treatment influenced symptom changes (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The recognition and assessment of RNRCEs on spinal MRI are clinically important because the presence, level, type, and length of a RNRCE may be associated with the degree of symptoms and help predict the clinical outcome according to treatment methods.

Keyword

Redundant nerve roots of the cauda equina; Magnetic resonance imaging; Lumbar spine; Spinal canal stenosis