[Computerized tomography of the lumbar spine: analysis of 3 cases of metastases]

Computed Tomography is a non-invasive radio-diagnostic investigation of the spinal column since the availability of total body scanners. The authors present three cases of metastatic tumour of the lumbar spinal--two cases of multiple myeloma and one of sarcoma of the breast. After describing the normal anatomy, they analyze the nature of the lesions, their localization and their effects. The authors also comment the help CT gives for planning biopsies, radiotherapy and even surgeries in case of any lesion occupying space of the spinal column. The present investigation is therefore intended to contribute to existing knowledge by summarizing the author's experience with three cases of metastatic tumour of the lumbar spinal column.