[Vertebral compression with intrasomatic vacuum images. Apropos of 2 cases with histological control by trocar biopsy].

The significance of a gas shadow, known as an intra-somatic space, seen in cases of vertebral compression is discussed in relation to two cases with histological confirmation by means of trocar aspiration biopsy of the vertebra. The presence of this image is in favour of a neoplastic or infectious aetiology; however, in view of the limited experience, histological confirmation by aspiration biopsy of the vertebra is indicated in the presence of one or more reasons for suspecting a neoplastic aetiology. The most satisfactory pathophysiological hypothesis to explain the appearance of an intra-somatic space is that this image generally appears in cases of osteoporotic vertebral compression complicated by a certain degree of osseous ischaemia.