| Purpose To investigate the X-ray, CT, MRI and SPECT features of vertebral metastasis, study the correlation of corresponding imaging features, compare the sensitivity of 4 examine methods, and to improve the level of diagnosis.Methods 45 patients with vertebral metastasis confirmed clinically or pathologically were reviewed with all imaging features recorded and analyzed;all patients underwent conventional radiography, CT, MRI and SPECT in the same period.Results 137 vertebrae were involved in 45 patients: 62 vertebrae in 21 patients were found in X-ray, 35 with compression fracture. 112 vertebrae in 40 patients were manifested in CT, 81 vertebrae were osteolytic type, 17 vertebrae were osteosclerotic type and 14 vertebrae were mixed type. 137 vertebrae in 45 patients were manifested in MRI, including 45 in vertebral body only, 2 in appendix only and 90 in both. The signal intensity is diverse and has corresponding relation with CT types. According to the shape of vertebral body and the characteristic abnormality, they were divided into 4 types: type â… includes 42 vertebrae, type â…¡ 51, type â…¢ 8, and type â…£ 36 with 29 protruding posterior and/or anterior borders. Soft tissue mass was showed around 62 vertebrae. Vertebral canal involved were showed around 54 vertebrae. 109 vertebrae in 43 patients were manifested in ECT, all vertebrae were high uptake expect 2 were low uptake. Conclusion Vertebral metastasis is characterized by involving multiple vertebrae. Its diagnosis and differential diagnosis can be made definite in most patients according to the lesions distribution, change in vertebral shape and the characteristics of the soft tissue mass. MRI can be the main diagnostic method due to its best sensitivity and accuracy.
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