Development and effects of the PARENT (Parenting Acceptable Real Empathy Nurture Training) program for mothers who defected from North Korea.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: North Korean refugee mothers struggle with the two-fold burden of adaptation and parenting in a new environment. This study aimed to develop and examine the effects of a parenting program for North Korean refugee mothers. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with 65 North Korean refugee mothers who were recruited through the Korea Hana Foundation Center and Sajowi. The experimental and control groups comprised 33, 32 participants respectively. A program was conducted across eight sessions, each lasting about 90-120 min. The data were analyzed using the χ2 test, independent t-test, and paired t-test. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the parenting efficacy (t = -10.03, p < .001) and child related stress (sub domain-parenting stress) (t = 3.24, p = .002) scores. While intergroup differences were observed for parenting efficacy (t = 5.48, p < .001), no significant differences were observed for parenting stress (parent related) (t = -0.22, p = .825) and parent-child relationship (t = 0.87, p = .387) and no intergroup differences were observed for parenting stress (t = -1.10, p = .274) and parent-child relationship (t = 1.06, p = .290). CONCLUSION: This study is significant to the field of nursing because North Korean refugee mothers who needed parenting education have high parental efficacy scores after intervention, which expresses confidence in parenting. This study proposed a parenting education intervention framework focusing on emotional empathy for North Korean refugee mothers who want to provide healthy parenting despite the challenges they encounter as immigrants, which will improve their confidence in parenting. It can serve as a source of basic data for designing parenting education intervention frameworks for refugees in the future.

Factors influencing children's emotional and behavioral problems perceived by North Korean refugee mothers: a descriptive study.

PURPOSE: The study investigated the relationships between key variables, including the level of parenting knowledge, acculturative stress, depression, and the strengths and difficulties associated with their children's emotions and behavior, among North Korean refugee mothers who faced the challenging task of adapting to Korean society while raising their children. METHODS: A descriptive study design was used. Data were collected from 130 North Korean refugee mothers between September and November 2023. RESULTS: The participants had very limited parenting knowledge, and 82.3% of them scored 21 or higher on the depression scale used in community epidemiological studies. Higher levels of parenting knowledge and lower levels of depression were associated with lower levels of acculturative stress. Moreover, higher levels of depression were associated with more emotional and behavioral difficulties in children. Maternal depression, age, and employment status were identified as factors that influenced emotional and behavioral problems in preschool-aged children. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the importance of providing parent education and mental health support programs for North Korean refugee families in order to improve parents' parenting skills and emotional well-being.

Sexual Knowledge, Sexual Attitudes, and the Need for Sex Education Among Adolescent Defectors From North Korea.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent North Korean defectors are vulnerable due to harmful environments during defection, limited access to sex education in North Korea, and exposure to different sexual norms in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sexual knowledge, attitudes, and sex education needs of North Korean refugee adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey was administered to 102 North Korean refugee adolescents. RESULTS: The correct answer rate for questions on genital anatomy, physiology, masturbation, and contraception was less than 20%. The participants exhibited conservative attitudes toward female contraception, masturbation, and having friends of the opposite sex. A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge and the need for sex education. DISCUSSION: These results highlight the importance of tailored sex education in providing accurate information, improving sexual knowledge, fostering positive attitudes, and enabling healthy behaviors among adolescent North Korean defectors.

Clinical efficacy of motion-insensitive imaging technique with deep learning reconstruction to improve image quality in cervical spine MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that a T2 periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) technique using deep learning reconstruction (DLR) will provide better image quality and decrease image noise. METHODS: From December 2020 to March 2021, 35 patients examined cervical spine MRI were included in this study. Four sets of images including fast spin echo (FSE), original PROPELLER, PROPELLER DLR50%, and DLR75% were quantitatively and qualitatively reviewed. We calculated the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the spinal cord and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the spinal cord by applying region-of-interest at the spinal cord, SCM muscle, and background air. We evaluated image noise with regard to the spinal cord, SCM, and back muscles at each level from C2-3 to C6-7 in the 4 sets. RESULTS: At all disc levels, the mean SNR values for the spinal cord and SCM muscles were significantly higher in PROPELLER DLR50% and DLR75% compared to FSE and original PROPELLER images (P < .0083). The mean CNR values of the spinal cord were significantly higher in PROPELLER DLR50% and DLR75% compared to FSE at the C3-4 and 4-5 levels and PROPELLER DLR75% compared to FSE at the C6-7 level (P < .0083). Qualitative analysis of image noise on the spinal cord, SCM, and back muscles showed that PROPELLER DLR50% and PROPELLER DLR75% images showed a significant denoising effect compared to the FSE and original PROPELLER images. CONCLUSION: The combination of PROPELLER and DLR improved image quality with a high SNR and CNR and reduced noise. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Motion-insensitive imaging technique (PROPELLER) increased the image quality compared to conventional FSE images. PROPELLER technique with a DLR reduced image noise and improved image quality.

Knowledge of atopic dermatitis and food allergies, as well as health information literacy, among North Korean refugee mothers: a descriptive survey study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated knowledge of atopic dermatitis and food allergies, as well as health information literacy, among North Korean refugee mothers with preschool-age children and explored how these variables were related to participants' characteristics. METHODS: A descriptive study design was used. Data from 130 North Korean refugee mothers were collected between January and March 2023. RESULTS: The mean scores were 14.48 of 30 for atopic dermatitis knowledge; 2.77 of 10 for food allergy knowledge, and 56.95 of 80 for health information literacy. Significant differences were observed in knowledge of atopic dermatitis based on breastfeeding duration (F=4.12, p=.009), and in knowledge of food allergies based on mixed feeding (F=3.11, p=.049). Health information literacy showed significant relationships with education level (F=3.76, p=.026), occupation (F=3.99, p=.021), checking nutritional information (t=2.91, p=.004), mixed feeding (F=4.50, p=.014), and atopic dermatitis diagnosis (t=6.86, p=.001). Significant positive correlations were observed between atopic dermatitis knowledge, food allergy knowledge, and health information literacy. CONCLUSION: Personalized educational programs should be implemented to improve awareness of allergies and health information literacy among North Korean refugee mothers, which would help them find, evaluate, and understand health-related information. These programs should focus on providing nutrition and dietary education to promote healthy growth in children and prevent diseases.

Comprehensive evaluation of artifact reduction and tissue recovery effects of metal artifact reduction technique based on full-reference metric.

For the comprehensive evaluation of metal artifact reduction (MAR) technique, not only the removal of metal artifacts but also the evaluation of the area restored by MAR is required. We propose a method to comprehensively evaluate the effect by MAR in this study. We have conducted the computed tomography scan to acquire both the evaluation image and the reference image for the full-reference based evaluation. The evaluation image and reference image were reconstructed into 24 image sets according to the tube potentials, image reconstruction method, and use of the MAR technique. Images of two different positions were selected according to the distance from metal and material (bone, tissue) distribution, and bone and tissue were automatically segmented in both evaluation and reference images. The values of full width at half the maximum (FWHM) and centroid were extracted after Gaussian modeling of each segmented region. Then, we computed four evaluation metrics (FWHMNM: non-MAR to non-metal ratio of FWHM, FWHMM: MAR to non-metal ratio of FWHM, CENTNM: non-MAR to non-metal ratio of centroid, CENTM: MAR to non-metal ratio of centroid), and the MAR image and non-MAR image were compared. The overlap ratio automatically segmented from the evaluation image and reference image were position 1 (bone: 99.61%, tissue: 99.23%) with 80 kVp, position 1 (bone: 99.32%, tissue: 99.56%) with 120 kVp, position 2 (bone: 99.20%, tissue: 99.73%) with 80 kVp, and position 2 (bone: 99.23%, tissue: 99.67%) with 120 kVp. The FWHMNM showing the change of image pixel value by metal artifact was calculated as (bone: 1.32-1.46, tissue: 1.08-1.16) at 80 kVp and (bone: 1.19-1.27, tissue: 1.02-1.05) at 120 kVp. More metal artifacts occurred at 80 kVp tube potential. Regardless of the tube potential and image reconstruction method, the MAR showed an overall artifact reduction effect (1 < FWHMM < FWHMNM). However, distortion of pixel values occurred due to the MAR in regions where metal artifacts were high in proximity to metal (1 < FWHMNM < FWHMM). Overall, the average value of the medium was maintained (CENTM: 0.98-1.03) after MAR application, but there was a change of image value in region around the metal (CENTM: 0.97-1.11). In this study, we propose a new method to evaluate the effect of metal artifacts and MAR technique using full-reference based method. Metal artifacts, effect of MAR technique, and side-effect caused by MAR technique were quantitatively analyzed through proposed method. There are some limitations in applying it to clinical imaging since our method is a reference-based evaluation. However, our experimental results were important for understanding the effects of the MAR technique and its functional properties.

Knowledge, confidence, and educational needs of newborn care among North Korean refugee women: a descriptive study.

PURPOSE: North Korean refugee women struggle with the double burden of adaptation and parenting as mothers in a new environment. This study aimed to identify the knowledge, confidence, and educational needs regarding newborn care among North Korean refugees, and to determine differences between these variables according to participants' characteristics. METHODS: Data were collected from September to October 2022, and 150 North Korean refugee women recruited using convenience sampling participated in the study. Descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean scores were as follows: parenting knowledge, 14.97 out of 25; infection prevention knowledge and confidence, 20.09 out of 33 and 51.37 out of 80, respectively; and educational needs, 245.86 out of 310. Significant differences were observed in newborn care, knowledge, and confidence according to maternal age, educational level, family structure, and pregnancy history. Significant positive correlations were observed between the participants' newborn care knowledge, confidence, and educational needs. CONCLUSION: Personalized educational programs should be implemented to enhance North Korean refugee women's confidence in newborn care, focusing on areas with low knowledge levels and high educational needs and enabling women to achieve healthy pregnancy and childbirth, and to parent well.

Influence of hardiness, mother-child interactions, and social support on parenting stress among North Korean refugee mothers: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the factors that influence parenting stress, including hardiness, parent-child interactions, and social support, to provide basic data for developing a program to reduce parenting stress in North Korean refugee mothers. METHODS: A descriptive study design was used. Data were collected between September and December 2021, and 123 North Korean refugee mothers participated. RESULTS: The mean scores were 69.42 out of 135 for hardiness, 48.45 out of 144 for interactions, 47.32 out of 90 for social support, and 51.84 out of 90 for parenting stress. The parental distress score was higher than that of child-related stress. Hardiness was significantly related to North Korean refugee mothers' parenting stress. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the explanatory power for hardiness and the number of supporters was approximately 19% for parenting stress (F=6.84, p<.001). As such, the factors with a relatively strong influence on parenting stress were hardiness (ß =-.40, p<.001) and having four or more supporters (ß=-.27, p=.027). CONCLUSION: This study's findings suggest the need to identify ways to increase North Korean refugee mothers' psychological hardiness and encourage them to extend their sources of social support and enhance their style of parenting.

Malignant Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor Presenting as an Extra-Articular Superficial Soft-Tissue Mass in a Knee.

Malignant tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TsGCT) is a rare disease that can arise as a recurrent lesion or co-exist with a benign TsGCT lesion. Here we report a rare case of malignant TsGCT in a 73-year-old male with a history of lymphoma. The tumor appeared as a superficial soft-tissue mass in the subcutaneous fat tissue of the left knee.

Myositis Ossificans with Aneurysmal Bone Cystic Changes at the Thoracic Paraspinal Region: A Case Report.

Myositis ossificans (MO) is a benign heterotopic bone formation in muscle or soft tissue. It is a self-limiting disease that is usually initiated by trauma and often occurs in the extremities of the body. Here we report a rare case of traumatic myositis ossificans caused by unusual trauma (extracorporeal shock wave therapy) at thoracic paraspinal muscles. After a needle biopsy, the lesion increased in size, and the patient's symptoms worsened. Malignant soft tissue tumors such as osteosarcoma should be differentiated, so excision of the mass was performed. The final diagnosis was MO with aneurysmal bone cystic change. This case is a very rare form of MO that showed an unusual cause, location, clinical course, and pathologic result on follow-up. This can be an instructive case for radiologists as it is a common disease entity with unusual manifestations.

Imaging Characterization of Non-Rheumatoid Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumors: Comparison with Atlantoaxial Manifestation of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Backgroundand Objectives: To date, imaging characterization of non-rheumatic retro-odontoid pseudotumors (NRROPs) has been lacking; therefore, NRROPs have been confused with atlantoaxial joint involvement of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is important to differentiate these two disease because the treatment strategies may differ. The purpose of this study is to characterize imaging findings of NRROPs and compare them with those of RA. Material and Methods: From January 2015 to December 2019, 27 patients (14 women and 13 men) with NRROPs and 19 patients (15 women and 4 men) with RA were enrolled in this study. We evaluated various imaging findings, including atlantoaxial instability (AAI), and measured the maximum diameter of preodontoid and retro-odontoid spaces with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Results: Statistical significance was considered for p < 0.05. AAI was detected in eight patients with NRROPs and in all patients with RA (p < 0.0001). Seventeen patients with NRROPs and six patients with RA showed spinal cord compression (p = 0.047). Compressive myelopathy was observed in 14 patients with NRROPs and in 4 patients with RA (p = 0.048). Subaxial degeneration was observed in 25 patients with NRROPs and in 9 patients with RA (p = 0.001). Moreover, C2-3 disc abnormalities were observed in 11 patients with NRROPs and in 2 patients with RA (p = 0.02). Axial and longitudinal diameter of retro-odontoid soft tissue and preodontoid and retro-odontoid spaces showed significant differences between NRROP and RA patients (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, CT AAI measurements were differed significantly between NRROP and RA patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: NRROPs showed prominent retro-odontoid soft tissue thickening, causing compressive myelopathy and a high frequency of subaxial and C2-3 degeneration without AAI.

Malignant melanotic nerve sheath tumors in the spinal canal of psammomatous and non-psammomatous type: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: A malignant melanotic nerve sheath tumor (MMNST), previously known as a melanotic schwannoma, is a rare variant of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor composed of Schwann cells with melanotic differentiation. Only a few reports of spinal MMNST have been reported. CASE SUMMARY: In the first case, a 58-year-old woman presented with a history of low back pain and paresthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) of the lumbar spine revealed an intradural extramedullary mass lesion with amorphous linear calcification. Complete tumor resection was performed and histological examination revealed a psammomatous melanotic schwannoma. In the second case, a 72-year-old man presented with low back pain and paresthesia. MRI of the thoracolumbar spine revealed an intramedullary mass lesion at the T11 vertebral body level. The mass lesion was hypointense on T2WI and hyperintense on T1WI. Tumor resection was performed and the histologic result was melanotic schwannoma. CONCLUSION: MMNST should be considered in the differential diagnosis when calcification or melanin is seen in an intradural spinal tumor.

Emphysema Quantification Using Ultra-Low-Dose Chest CT: Efficacy of Deep Learning-Based Image Reconstruction.

Background and Objectives: Although reducing the radiation dose level is important during diagnostic computed tomography (CT) applications, effective image quality enhancement strategies are crucial to compensate for the degradation that is caused by a dose reduction. We performed this prospective study to quantify emphysema on ultra-low-dose CT images that were reconstructed using deep learning-based image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithms, and compared and evaluated the accuracies of DLIR algorithms versus standard-dose CT. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 patients were prospectively enrolled, and all underwent standard-dose and ultra-low-dose (120 kVp; CTDIvol < 0.7 mGy) chest CT scans at the same time in a single examination. A total of six image datasets (filtered back projection (FBP) for standard-dose CT, and FBP, adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR-V) 50%, DLIR-low, DLIR-medium, DLIR-high for ultra-low-dose CT) were reconstructed for each patient. Image noise values, emphysema indices, total lung volumes, and mean lung attenuations were measured in the six image datasets and compared (one-way repeated measures ANOVA). Results: The mean effective doses for standard-dose and ultra-low-dose CT scans were 3.43 ± 0.57 mSv and 0.39 ± 0.03 mSv, respectively (p < 0.001). The total lung volume and mean lung attenuation of five image datasets of ultra-low-dose CT scans, emphysema indices of ultra-low-dose CT scans reconstructed using ASIR-V 50 or DLIR-low, and the image noise of ultra-low-dose CT scans that were reconstructed using DLIR-low were not different from those of standard-dose CT scans. Conclusions: Ultra-low-dose CT images that were reconstructed using DLIR-low were found to be useful for emphysema quantification at a radiation dose of only 11% of that required for standard-dose CT.

Distant migration of gel filler: imaging findings following breast augmentation.

Recently, many attempts have been made to use injectable materials in the subcutaneous fat layer anywhere in the body, including the breast and face, for cosmetic purposes. A 56-year-old woman presented with multiple palpable lumps without tenderness or skin color changes on the anterior and lateral chest and the abdominal walls. Magnetic resonance imaging showed fluid-like collections without surrounding soft tissue inflammatory changes in the chest wall, abdominal wall, and deeper within the abdomen. The lesions penetrated the peritoneum and were observed adjacent to the liver dome. Ultrasonography also showed hypoechogenicity suggestive of fluid collection in the left axilla and trunk. The differential diagnosis based on radiologic findings included parasite manifestation, non-specific inflammatory conditions, and chronic granulomatous infections such as tuberculosis or non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections. However, these conditions are usually accompanied by changes in the adjacent subcutaneous fat layers, but our patient did not show any other abnormalities in the adjacent soft tissue. After biopsy and aspiration analysis, the patient was found to have a history of filler injection for breast augmentation approximately 17 years prior. It is often difficult to make a differential diagnosis without detailed knowledge of the patient's medical history. Here we describe a rare case of distant migration of the filler to the axilla, chest wall, abdominal wall, and peritoneum following breast augmentation with filler injection. Knowledge of the radiologic characteristics and migration patterns of gel fillers and their related complications is useful for making an accurate diagnosis.

Effects of parenting education programs for refugee and migrant parents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of parenting education programs (PEPs) for refugee and migrant parents. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies published from 2000 to 2020 were identified through a systematic search of six electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, RISS, KMBASE). A meta-analysis of the studies was then undertaken. RESULTS: Of the 14,996 published works identified, 23 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria, and 19 studies were analyzed to estimate the effect sizes (standardized mean differences) of the PEPs using random-effect models. PEPs were effective for parenting efficacy (effect size [ES]=1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-1.66), positive parenting behaviors (ES=0.51; 95% CI: 0.30-0.73), parent-child relationships (ES=0.38; 95% CI: 0.22-0.53), and parenting stress (ES=0.64; 95% CI: 0.50-0.79). There were statistically significant differences in the effect sizes of PEPs that included mothers only (ES=0.93), included children under 7 years of age(ES=0.91), did not include child participation (0.77), continued for 19 or more sessions (ES=0.80), and were analyzed in quasi-experimental studies (ES=0.86). The overall effect of publication bias was robust. CONCLUSION: PEPs were found to be effective at improving parenting efficacy, positive parenting behaviors, parent-child relationships, and parenting stress.

Erratum: Transiting Nerve Rootlet Abnormalities on MRI after Lumbar Laminectomy: Associations with Persistent Postoperative Pain.

This corrects the article on p. 225 in vol. 22, PMID: 32901462.

Diagnostic performance of tomosynthesis for evaluation of bone tumors and tumor-like lesions: a comparison with radiography.

BACKGROUND: Even though radiologic diagnosis of bone tumors and tumor-like lesions is usually based on radiographs, radiographically faint imaging features sometimes remain challenging due to overlapping anatomical structures. PURPOSE: To compare tomosynthesis with radiography for the evaluation of bone tumors and tumor-like lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-seven bone tumors and tumor-like lesions were assessed with radiographs and tomosynthesis images. Two radiologists independently analyzed imaging features of lesions, including margin, periosteal reaction, cortical thinning, matrix mineralization, cortical destruction (such as pathologic fracture), and extraosseous soft-tissue extension. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was used as a reference method. Diagnostic performances of radiography and tomosynthesis were analyzed and compared based on sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Effective radiation dose was compared among the three imaging modalities by phantom studies. RESULTS: Inter-observer variability (kappa value) for imaging features was slight to moderate on radiography (0.167-0.588), whereas it was nearly perfect on tomosynthesis (0.898-1.000) except for extraosseous soft-tissue extension (0.647 vs. 0.647). Tomosynthesis showed significantly higher sensitivity than radiography in evaluating the margin for bone tumors or tumor-like lesions (1.00 vs. 0.85; P = 0.016), and significantly higher accuracy than radiography in evaluating the margin and matrix mineralization for those (1.00 vs. 0.85; P = 0.016 and 0.91 vs.0.77; P = 0.023, respectively). In phantom studies, mean effective radiation doses were highest in order of CT, tomography, and radiography. CONCLUSION: Tomosynthesis increases sensitivity and accuracy of the margin as well as accuracy of the matrix mineralization of bone tumors and tumor-like lesions compared to radiography.

Avulsion injuries: an update on radiologic findings.

Avulsion injuries result from the application of a tensile force to a musculoskeletal unit or ligament. Although injuries tend to occur more commonly in skeletally immature populations due to the weakness of their apophysis, adults may also be subject to avulsion fractures, particularly those with osteoporotic bones. The most common sites of avulsion injuries in adolescents and children are apophyses of the pelvis and knee. In adults, avulsion injuries commonly occur within the tendon due to underlying degeneration or tendinosis. However, any location can be involved in avulsion injuries. Radiography is the first imaging modality to diagnose avulsion injury, although advanced imaging modalities are occasionally required to identify subtle lesions or to fully delineate the extent of the injury. Ultrasonography has a high spatial resolution with a dynamic assessment potential and allows the comparison of a bone avulsion with the opposite side. Computed tomography is more sensitive for depicting a tiny osseous fragment located adjacent to the expected attachment site of a ligament, tendon, or capsule. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging modality for the evaluation of soft tissue abnormalities, especially the affected muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Acute avulsion injuries usually manifest as avulsed bone fragments. In contrast, chronic injuries can easily mimic other disease processes, such as infections or neoplasms. Therefore, recognizing the vulnerable sites and characteristic imaging features of avulsion fractures would be helpful in ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate patient management. To this end, familiarity with musculoskeletal anatomy and mechanism of injury is necessary.

Imaging characteristics of intradural disc herniation: A comparison with large disc extrusion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of lumbar intradural disc herniation (IDH) and disc extrusion mimicking IDH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2015 and August 2018, 32 with surgically confirmed IDH or disc extrusion mimicking IDH were included. Age, sex, symptoms, herniated disc level, history of discectomy at the same site, and operative findings were investigated through the medical records. We evaluated the direction, type, migration, margin, and shape of disc herniation, the presence of an abrupt discontinuity of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL), Y-sign of ventral dura, disc material beyond the PLL, and disc calcification or ossification. In addition, maximum herniated disc diameter to central canal diameter (MHDD/CCD) ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Twelve patients (8 males, 4 females; mean age 53.3 [21-83] years) were surgically confirmed to have lumbar IDH and 20 (11 males, 9 females; mean age 52 [19-78] years) had disc extrusion mimicking lumbar IDH. Margins and beak-like shapes of herniated discs, abrupt discontinuity of the PLL, Y-sign of ventral dura, disc material beyond the PLL, calcification or ossification of herniated discs, and MHDD/CCD ratios were significantly different in the IDH and non-IDH groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Imaging findings of an ill-defined margin, a beak-like shape, herniated disc calcification or ossification, abrupt PLL discontinuity, Y-sign of ventral dura, disc material beyond the PLL and a high MHDD/CCD ratio were found to predict the presence of IDH.