Myelography using flat panel volumetric computed tomography: a comparative study in patients with lumbar spinal...

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Imaging
• Medical Physics
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Myelography and myelo-computed tomography (PCT) are established diagnostic tools for spinal stenosis.
• Rotational angiography, utilizing flat panel detectors, offers advanced imaging capabilities.
• Flat panel volumetric computed tomography (FPVCT) presents higher spatial resolution than current multislice computed tomography (MSCT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and sensitivity of FPVCT for lumbar myelographic imaging.
• To compare FPVCT with MSCT in the assessment of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Main Methods:

• Twenty patients underwent lumbar myelography using a biplane angiography system with flat panel detectors.
• FPVCT data was acquired from a rotational acquisition and compared with 4-slice MSCT.
• Dural cross-sectional diameter (D-CSD) and area (D-CSA) were calculated for 100 disc levels.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference was found in D-CSD and D-CSA measurements between FPVCT and MSCT.
• Mean D-CSD was 9.48 mm (FPVCT) vs. 9.26 mm (MSCT); mean D-CSA was 64.7 mm² (FPVCT) vs. 63.2 mm² (MSCT).
• The most severe stenosis was observed at L4/5, with comparable measurements between FPVCT and MSCT.

Conclusions:

• FPVCT provides diagnostic image quality comparable to MSCT for lumbar myelography.
• FPVCT enables radiographic myelography and postmyelographic computed tomography in a single session.
• FPVCT may allow for reduced radiation exposure during lumbar spinal imaging.