Cervical double contrast myelocisternography by the lateral approach (technical note).

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Accurate visualization of the cervical spinal canal and craniocervical junction is crucial for diagnosing various neurological conditions.
• Traditional imaging methods may require multiple procedures or patient repositioning, increasing complexity and potential discomfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel, single-puncture method for the combined examination of the cervical spinal canal and craniocervical junction.
• To enhance procedural efficiency and patient comfort by avoiding position changes during imaging.

Main Methods:

• A single-puncture technique is detailed for administering Amipaque for cervical spinal canal imaging.
• Air is subsequently introduced via the same puncture for craniocervical junction visualization.
• The method emphasizes maintaining the patient's position throughout the combined examination.

Main Results:

• The described method allows for the simultaneous assessment of both the cervical spinal canal and the craniocervical junction.
• The technique simplifies the diagnostic workflow by consolidating two examinations into one procedure.
• No adverse events or complications were reported in relation to the combined examination technique.

Conclusions:

• This simple, combined examination method offers an efficient and patient-friendly approach to evaluating the cervical spine and craniocervical junction.
• The technique holds potential for improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing healthcare resource utilization in neuroradiology.