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CT metrizamide myelography in syringomyelia: sensitivity and specificity
Neurology
|September 1, 1986
Summary
The "collapsing cord sign" in spinal imaging is less sensitive for syringomyelia than the "bull's-eye" central cord enhancement on delayed CT scans.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Syringomyelia diagnosis relies on imaging findings.
- Accurate identification of spinal cord changes is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the "collapsing cord sign" and "bull's-eye" central cord enhancement in identifying syringomyelia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 32 patients with confirmed syringomyelia and 15 with alternative diagnoses.
- Assessment of sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values for each imaging sign.
Main Results:
- The "collapsing cord sign" showed 38% sensitivity and 87% specificity.
- Central cord enhancement ("bull's-eye") demonstrated 91% sensitivity and 87% specificity.
- Positive predictive values were 87% for cord collapse and 94% for central enhancement.
Conclusions:
- Central cord enhancement is a more sensitive indicator for syringomyelia than the collapsing cord sign.
- Delayed CT central cord enhancement offers high diagnostic accuracy for syringomyelia.