Magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative neurosonography in syringomyelia

Treatment of syringomyelia remains a difficult and controversial problem. However, the recent advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intraoperative ultrasound allows a more precise approach to the diagnosis and management of this disorder. Experience with 27 cases of syringomyelia has shown that MRI is superior to all other forms of diagnostic imaging for the exact anatomical delineation of syrinxes and other spinal cavities. One-third of the syrinxes demonstrated by MRI were either not adequately visualized or missed by myelography and/or computed tomographic scanning. Intraoperative ultrasound has been used to allow more precise operative approaches to the syrinx as well as to guide the exact placement of shunt tubes into syrinx cavities. A method has also been developed to allow intraoperative ultrasound of the spinal cord with patients in the sitting position.