The myeloneurogram

Past attempts to visualize the internal structure of the spinal cord in vivo have been impeded by many factors including: the small size of the cord, the dense bony covering of the spine, and the likeness of tissue densities from one area to another within the cord. Delayed computed tomography is presently being used as a complement to iopamidol myelography to image the deep gray matter of the cord. This visualization is achieved by a differential gray-white matter enhancement, possibly due to a shielding effect of the white matter surrounding the gray matter, a difference in absorption rate between gray and white matter, or an increased rate of re-absorption of water-soluble contrast by the more highly vascularized deep gray matter.