Three CT Signs of Nerve-root Suffering in Low-back Sciatica: a Study of Their Frequency in Patients Referred for CT-guided Nerve-root Infiltration.
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Pre-infiltration lumbar planning CT scan - reading of the three nerve-root signs.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Sciatica, Lumbosacral Radiculopathy, Low Back Pain. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- France
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Prevalence of Three CT Signs of Nerve-root Suffering (Root Size Asymmetry/Hypertrophy, Peri-radicular Infiltration, Spontaneous Hyperdensity) in Patients With Low-back Sciatica Referred for CT-guided Foraminal Infiltration: a Single-centre Retrospective Study (Nice University Hospital - Pasteur 2).
Overview
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.
Interventions
- Diagnostic test Pre-infiltration lumbar planning CT scan - reading of the three nerve-root signs
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.
Primary outcome measures
- Prevalence of nerve-root size asymmetry / hypertrophy on CT [Time frame: At inclusion]
- Prevalence of peri-radicular infiltration on CT [Time frame: At inclusion]
- Prevalence of spontaneous nerve-root hyperdensity on CT [Time frame: At inclusion]
Secondary outcome measures (2)
- Pre-operative pain (VAS) [Time frame: Before the infiltration (Day 0).]
- Pre-operative quality of life (EQ-5D) [Time frame: Before the infiltration (Day 0).]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Adult (>= 18 years)
- Low-back sciatica / radicular pain with a systematized distribution
- Referred for CT-guided foraminal or peri-radicular infiltration at Pasteur 2 Hospital (Nice) between 30 Jan 2024 and 11 Jul 2024.
- Available and interpretable pre-infiltration planning CT
Exclusion criteria
- Planning CT missing or not interpretable
- Missing data on the three studied signs
- Radicular pain of tumoral, infectious or recent traumatic origin
- Spinal history precluding analysis of the studied root
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-only
Study locations
France · 1 center
- CHU NICE — Nice
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07690449 · 26RadioInterv01