MR myelography of the cervical spine

In previous studies, magnetic resonance (MR) myelography was not effective in the cervical region. However, effective cervical MR myelography is possible with a modified fast spin-echo sequence (8,000/360 [repetition time msec/effective echo time msec], four signals averaged, echo train length of 24). In a clinical study of this protocol, MR myelography was performed as an additional sequence following conventional MR imaging; composite images were obtained with a maximum-intensity projection algorithm. The MR myelographic sequence added only 8.5 minutes to the total imaging time and yielded information not provided by MR imaging in 13% of patients. MR myelography was especially valuable in demonstrating abnormal intraspinal vascularity and in guiding patient treatment by providing detailed preoperative information about intradural masses and posttraumatic and postoperative diverticulum and meningocele. This MR myelographic technique is a useful adjunct to MR imaging, especially in cases in which the more detailed information provided will be helpful in the analysis of complex intraspinal disease.