Lumbar myelography with three-dimensional MR imaging.
A strongly T2*-weighted, three-dimensional (3D) PSIF (time-reversed FISP [fast imaging with steady-state precession]) gradient-echo magnetic resonance (MR) sequence, with postprocessing of the 3D data set with a maximum-intensity projection (MIP) algorithm, produced x-ray myelography-equivalent images. The method was tested in 10 healthy volunteers to optimize sequence parameters and was evaluated in 30 patients with proven lumbar disk disease. MIP myelograms, unlike two-dimensional MR images, could not show the pathologic disks themselves but clearly demonstrated the effect on the thecal sac, giving a clear overall view of its geometry and dimensions, especially when displayed in a cine loop. All 28 medial and mediolateral disk herniations could be visualized, whereas only three of eight intraforminal disk herniations were seen on MR myelograms.
Zisch
R J
RJ
Department of Radiology, Wels General Hospital, Austria.
Hollenbach
H P
HP
Artmann
W
W
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000033:anatomy & histology*