title: Distinguishing Benign and Malignant Vertebral Fractures Using CT and MRI.
abstract: The differential diagnosis between benign and malignant vertebral fractures is a common challenge in clinical practice, especially because osteoporotic fractures become more frequent within the aging population and many malignant diseases spread to the bone first, impacting bone integrity. This article reviews the morphological features and computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging findings that help differentiate between benign and malignant fractures. Newer techniques such as MR-based diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced MR, and chemical-shift imaging as well as hybrid techniques such as positron emission tomography-CT are also discussed briefly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Benedikt J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Schwaiger
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Alexandra S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Gersing
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Baum
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Imaging und Image-guided Therapy, Division of General and Pediatric Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Christian R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Krestan
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Jan S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kirschke
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*