From Modic 1 vertebral-endplate subchondral bone signal changes detected by MRI to the concept of 'active discopathy'. Issue 8 (14th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Christelle; Poiraudeau, Serge; Rannou, François
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 74:Issue 8(2015)
• Page Start: 1488
• Page End: 1494
• Publication Date: 2015-05-14
• Subjects: Low Back Pain -- Magnetic Resonance Imaging -- Spondyloarthritis; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-207317
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Late-1980s MRI-detected vertebral-endplate subchondral bone signal changes associated with degenerative disc disease as well as recent studies suggest that in some patients, non-specific chronic low back pain (NS cLBP) can be defined by specific clinical, radiological and biological features, for a concept of active discopathy. This concept allows for associating a particular NS cLBP phenotype to a specific anatomical lesion, namely those with Modic 1 signal changes seen on MRI. Local inflammation is thought to play a pivotal role in these changes. Other etiopathogenic processes may include local infection and mechanical or biochemical stress combined with predisposing genetic factors; treatment strategies remain debated. Modic 1 changes detected by MRI can be considered a first biomarker in NS cLBP. Such changes are of high clinical relevance because they are associated with a specific clinical phenotype and can be targeted by specific treatments.