What causes scalloped vertebrae in the spine on imaging?
Let me know in the comments.
Click to reveal the answer
Answer:
Posterior scalloping of vertebral bodies is caused by dural ectasia, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), or mucopolysaccharidoses, resulting in erosion of the posterior vertebral margins due to abnormal dural expansion or dysplastic bone remodeling.
Why is it called so?:
Scalloped vertebrae refers to the smooth, concave erosion of the posterior vertebral body margins resembling the scalloped edges of a shell or pie crust.
Pathophysiology:
Dural ectasia leads to focal dilation of the dural sac, exerting chronic pressure on adjacent bone causing posterior vertebral body scalloping; in NF1, this combines with mesodermal dysplasia and neurofibromas contributing to anterior/lateral scalloping, while mucopolysaccharidoses cause dysostosis multiplex with similar erosive changes.
Access all radiology signs posted so far: https://radiogyan.com/radiology-signs/
Improve Content And Help Your Colleagues!
Found an error in the post? Please let us know using our contact page and we will update it with due credits!
If you wish to contribute radiological images for this case (or any other article on the website), you can submit them here and you will be duly credited: Submit radiology case