[Neuroradiologic diagnosis of elongated spinal tumors]

Elongated spinal space-occupying lesions are infrequent but not rare. They are found at all ages, most frequently in the thoracic spinal canal and are primarily of gliomatous origin. A survey of our cases from the last 25 years shows the enormous progress in the diagnosis of such processes. This applies to technical quality as well as improved diagnostic information of modern methods and significantly less discomfort to the patient. In the case of suspected space-occupying lesions, a consecutive diagnostic program is recommended, that implies first conventional radiographs of the structure of the spine (including tomography if necessary) followed by myelography with modern positive contrast media. Myelography should be combined with CT. Plain CT-scans can demonstrate hypodense or calcified tumours. MRT provides essential additional information by three dimensional imaging and the corresponding signal processing techniques. With increasing MRT-capacities and improving image quality medullary tumours will primarily investigated with this method. The relations between multiple intramedullary cavities can be explored by endomyelography before drainage.