Added value of coronal-T1 W sequence to the lumbar MR imaging protocol for low back pain

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most appropriate imaging method to investigate low back pain. As low back pain is very common, a large number of MRI scans are performed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the extraspinal findings and clinical effect of the T1-weighted spin echo (T1 W SE) coronal sequence added to the lumbar MRI protocol for low back pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2015, we added a T1-weighted (T1W) coronal sequence to our routine lumbar MRI protocol. We retrospectively evaluated 969 lumbar MRI images for low back pain performed with this protocol. The extraspinal MRI findings obtained from them were then grouped as associated with low back pain (Category 1) and not associated with low back pain (Category 2). We also evaluated whether the recorded incidental extraspinal findings could be detected on conventional sagittal and axial images. RESULTS: Ninety-six (63%) of the extraspinal findings were associated with low back pain (Category 1) and 56 (37%), Category 2. Seventy-eight percent of the extraspinal findings were detected only on coronal-T1W images and not on conventional images. CONCLUSION: Adding coronal-T1W sequence to the routine protocol of lumbar MRI can help to identify extraspinal findings and guide clinical treatment.