title: Metrizamide-enhanced computed tomography as an adjunct to metrizamide myelography in the evaluation of lumbar disc herniation and spondylosis.
abstract: Eighty patients with operatively proven lumbar disc herniation or lumbar spondylosis were preoperatively evaluated with metrizamide myelography followed by metrizamide-enhanced computed tomography (CT). The x-ray films were reviewed without knowledge of the operative findings, and the patients were subdivided into those with disc extrusions, spondylosis, or recurrent abnormalities. For the group as a whole, CT was correct in 82% and myelography was correct in 77%. Both CT and myelography together were accurate in 91%, a significant improvement (P less than 0.02). The authors conclude that, if both studies are performed, the percentage of cases correctly diagnosed is increased. Therefore, both metrizamide myelography and metrizamide-enhanced CT should be obtained in selected cases. A review of the literature is included.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008793:Metrizamide; D008875:Middle Aged; D009192:Myelography; D012008:Recurrence; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D008793:Metrizamide