Retrospective, observational, single-centre study conducted at Nice University Hospital (Pasteur 2), Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology. Objective: to assess the prevalence of three CT signs sought next to the clinically suspected nerve root in patients with low-back sciatica referred for CT-guided foraminal/peri-radicular infiltration: (1) nerve-root size asymmetry/hypertrophy, (2) peri-radicular infiltration, and (3) spontaneous root hyperdensity. Hypothesis: these signs are associated with the suffering nerve root responsible for the clinical presentation. Pre-infiltration planning CT scans (period 30 Jan 2024 - 11 Jul 2024) are reviewed by the operating radiologists (4th-, 5th- and 6th-year residents). Target enrollment: 400 patients. Data analysed to date: 104 patients / 105 infiltrations. Preliminary prevalence: root asymmetry/hypertrophy 45.5%; peri-radicular infiltration 50.5%; spontaneous hyperdensity 23.8%; at least 2 of 3 signs 38.6%; all 3 signs 16.8%. Mean age 65 years (range 25-93); approximately 62 women / 42 men; predominant levels L4-L5 and L5-S1.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
400
Retrospective analysis of the planning CT scans performed before CT-guided foraminal/peri-radicular infiltration. Reading by the operating radiologists (4th-, 5th- and 6th-year radiology residents) assessing, next to the symptomatic nerve root, three signs (present/absent): root size asymmetry/hypertrophy; peri-radicular infiltration; spontaneous hyperdensity. No additional procedure for the patient.
CHU NICE
Nice, Alpes Maritimes, France
RECRUITINGPrevalence of nerve-root size asymmetry / hypertrophy on CT
Proportion of patients showing, on the pre-infiltration planning CT, size asymmetry (hypertrophy) of the nerve root next to the clinically suspected root (present/absent).
Time frame: At inclusion
Prevalence of peri-radicular infiltration on CT
Proportion of patients showing, on the pre-infiltration planning CT, infiltration of the peri-radicular tissues next to the clinically suspected root (present/absent).
Time frame: At inclusion
Prevalence of spontaneous nerve-root hyperdensity on CT
Proportion of patients showing, on the pre-infiltration planning CT, spontaneous hyperdensity of the nerve root next to the clinically suspected root (present/absent).
Time frame: At inclusion
Pre-operative pain (VAS)
Visual analogue scale for pain, from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain); a higher score indicates more severe pain.
Time frame: Before the infiltration (Day 0).
Pre-operative quality of life (EQ-5D)
EQ-5D questionnaire covering 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression). Collected before the infiltration; used as the baseline health-state assessment.
Time frame: Before the infiltration (Day 0).
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