The Several Faces of Schmorl's Node: Pictorial Essay

Abstract

The aim of this review is to present the imaging features of Schmorl's node (SN) occurring in conjunction with several etiologies. The SN is a relatively common finding in diagnostic spinal imaging. This condition is usually asymptomatic and its etiology is not always clear. Any disorder that weakens the subchondral bone of the vertebral body may lead to endplate disruption and consequent intravertebral disc herniation. SN is a common finding among asymptomatic patients, but may possibly be accompanied by symptoms in cases of trauma, hemispherical spondylosclerosis, calcific discitis with intravertebral migration, inflammatory diseases and neoplasms. Even though SN is generally associated with benign diseases, its presence does not exclude the possibility of concomitant malignancy in the vertebral body. Radiologists and spine surgeons must be aware of uncommon conditions that might be associated with SNs, as well as related radiological findings, in order to avoid misdiagnosis.

Acute calcific discitis or symptomatic calcified schmorl's node of the upper thoracic spine in an adult: A case report and literature review

“…Proved surgically, the calcified nucleus pulposus has pliability or soft toothpaste-like consistency. [2,7,16,20] In our case, we demonstrate an adult patient with acute symptomatic calcified SN of T3-4 level associated with reactive bone marrow edema of T3 vertebral body. With conservative treatment, this calcification spontaneously regressed in 3 months.…”

“…We reviewed the published studies of calcification of nucleus pulposus and/or calcific discitis in adults [Table 1]. [12345678910121314151617181920212223242526] The collected data in this literature review included demographic data (i.e., gender and age of the patient), level of involving spine, symptoms of patient, location or extension of calcified disc, probably precipitating event, the presence of bone marrow edema on MRI, the occurrence and follow-up time of spontaneous regression, treatment, and outcome of patient.…”

“…Proved surgically, the calcified nucleus pulposus has pliability or soft toothpaste-like consistency. [271620]…”

“…[1] Calcific discitis with intervertebral migration is one kind of findings of the several faces of SN. [23]…”

“…[1] Calcific discitis with intervertebral migration is one kind of findings of the several faces of SN. [2,3] Calcific discitis was characteristic by central calcification confined within the nucleus pulposus distinguish from the more common degenerative intervertebral disc calcification, involving primarily the annulus fibrosus with low regression rate of hard herniated disc. [4,5] Adult calcific discitis is much less frequently reported than pediatric calcific discitis.…”