[Magnetic resonance myelography. Preliminary experience]

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Imaging
• Neuroimaging
• Spinal Diagnostics

Background:

• Conventional myelography is an invasive procedure requiring intrathecal contrast injection.
• Three-dimensional (3D) MR Myelography utilizes constructive interference steady-state (CISS) sequences for enhanced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) signal.
• Maximum intensity projection (MIP) algorithms generate myelographic projections from 3D datasets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, clinical value, and diagnostic accuracy of 3D MR Myelography.
• To compare 3D MR Myelography with conventional myelography.
• To evaluate 3D MR Myelography in various spinal pathologies and traumatic injuries.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-five myelograms were performed between September 1992 and January 1994.
• Study population included volunteers and patients with diverse spinal conditions (herniated disks, cysts, tumors, vascular malformations, brachial plexus lesions).
• All patients underwent SE MRI, conventional myelography (lumbar and cervical), and CT myelography.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated feasibility of 3D MR Myelography for cervical and lumbar spine imaging.
• Results were comparable to conventional myelography across various indications.
• Showed potential utility in specific cases like traumatic brachial plexus injuries.

Conclusions:

• 3D MR Myelography is a feasible and valuable non-invasive imaging technique for the spine.
• Its diagnostic accuracy is comparable to conventional myelography.
• Offers a promising alternative, particularly for conditions where invasive procedures are typically necessary.