CT Myelography: Clinical Indications and Imaging Findings
Abstract
CT myelography remains an important diagnostic modality in evaluation of the spine and plays a crucial role when MRI is contraindicated or is inadequate to depict findings such as intradural extramedullary cysts, meningeal disease, complications of surgery, nerve root avulsion, or arthritis.
CT myelography is an important imaging modality that combines the advantages of myelography and the high resolution of CT. It provides a detailed delineation of pathologic spine conditions, especially those involving the thecal sac and its contents. However, the role of CT myelography has dramatically and appropriately decreased with the advent of MRI, which provides a noninvasive method to demonstrate pathologic spine conditions with high signal intensity in soft tissues. At the present time, CT myelography is often performed in patients who require evaluation of the thecal sac but have a contraindication to undergoing MRI. However, there remain many situations in which CT myelography is indicated and plays a critical role in patient treatment. The authors review common and uncommon indications for CT myelography and demonstrate various pathologic conditions in which CT myelography plays a vital role in patient treatment in this modern era of MRI.
©RSNA, 2020
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Article History
Received: Apr 28 2019Revision requested: June 18 2019
Revision received: July 19 2019
Accepted: July 30 2019
Published online: Feb 14 2020
Published in print: Mar 2020