MR-myelography: a comparison with conventional myelography

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Neurology

Background:

• Conventional myelography is a standard diagnostic tool for spinal pathologies.
• Advancements in Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging have led to the development of new sequences for spinal evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic value of a novel MR pulse sequence, termed MR-myelography, in comparison to conventional myelography.
• To assess the utility of MR-myelography for specific clinical questions including chronic lumbago, spinal canal stenosis, herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, and instability.

Main Methods:

• Twenty consecutive patients underwent both conventional and MR-myelography examinations.
• Six independent observers assessed subjective criteria (image quality, depiction of anatomical structures, artifacts) and objective criteria (stenosis assessment).

Main Results:

• MR-myelography quality did not match conventional myelography.
• High-grade spinal stenosis was frequently overestimated, and low-grade stenosis underestimated.
• MR-myelography facilitated the detection of additional stenoses in cases of pre-existing high-grade stenosis.
• Artifacts from the MR technique minimally impacted diagnostic quality.

Conclusions:

• MR-myelography cannot substitute for conventional myelography.
• However, when used in conjunction with conventional MR sequences, MR-myelography can be a valuable tool for assessing spinal canal stenosis.