Hyperextension vertebral body fractures in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: A cause of intravertebral fluidlike collections on MR imaging

OBJECTIVE. We describe an intravertebral fluidlike collection observed on M R images in five of six patients who sustained vertebral body fracture thro ugh a segment of the spine ankylosed by diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperos tosis. The mechanism of injury, clinical course, conventional radiographs, CT scans, and other MR imaging findings are analyzed. CONCLUSION. Intravertebral fluidlike collections were associated with hyper extension injury of the spine. Well-delineated borders, anterior widening, and associated posterior-element injury are the main MR imaging characteris tics of this trauma-related intravertebral fluidlike collection.