Value of computed tomographic myelography in neurofibromatosis

Computed tomographic myelography (CTM) is the procedure of choice in patients exhibiting spinal manifestations of neurofibromatosis. Due to the lack of specificity of several of the more important plain spine radiographic findings in this disease, CTM may be necessary to distinguish between surgical and nonsurgical entities. CTM will determine the size, shape, and intraspinal extension of posterior mediastinal neural tumors and separate them from the more common thoracic meningoceles. CTM will likewise elucidate the causes of posterior vertebral body scalloping, distinguishing between dural ectasia and neural tumor. CTM will also frequently demonstrate additional asymptomatic lesions at other levels.