title: Numbering of vertebrae on MRI using a PACS cross-referencing tool.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  For the detection and documentation of numeric variations on spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), different techniques have previously been introduced. However, these methods require additional special imaging algorithms, software, or devices. We intend to introduce a vertebral numbering method using the existing picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and MRI system.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the accuracy of a method for numbering presacral vertebrae based on the cross-referencing of two sagittal MRI series.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was a retrospective review of 224 consecutive patients who underwent both lumbar MRI with cervicothoracic scan and whole spine radiographic examinations. A radiologist and a neurosurgeon independently counted the number of presacral vertebrae in a cranial-to-caudal approach with cross-referencing of cervicothoracic and lumbar MRI sagittal series on the PACS workstation. Radiographic numbering from the cervical through the thoracic to the lumbar vertebrae, as a reference standard, was completed independently by the two reviewers. An analysis of the inter-observer and intermodality agreements of radiography and MRI was done.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all cases except one, concordant numbering existed between the two modalities of MRI cross-referencing and radiographs combination. Both observers agreed completely, with no inter-observer discordance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The number of vertebrae could be identified consistently by counting caudally from C2 with cross-referencing cervicothoracic and lumbosacral sagittal MRI scans on the PACS workstation.
authors: Department of Radiology, Arumdaun Wooldul Spine Hospital, Ulsan, Republic of Korea. srsna@freechal.com
authors: Nam Chull
authors: NC
authors: Paik
authors: Chun Soo
authors: CS
authors: Lim
authors: Ho Suk
authors: HS
authors: Jang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013131:Spine / Q000033:anatomy & histology*