[RARE-MR myelography in routine clinical practice. Experience with 175 cases]

In 1984 Henning, Nauerth, Friedburg and Ratzel described a new MRI data acquisition technique called RARE (Rapid Acquisition with Relaxation Enhancement). Several clinical applications have been published. A modification developed in the meantime, called "RARE hydrography", yields T2-weighted aqueous fluid specific images within a few seconds. As a nontomographic rapid approach to MR-myelography ("RARE-myelography") this technique is routinely applied at the beginning of all examinations of the spine. On the basis of 175 cases current potentials and limitations are discussed. Future applications of 3D-RARE myelography are mentioned.