title: [MRT in cervical disk herniation: plain vs. contrast-enhanced images].
abstract: Aim of this study was to assess the value of Gd-DTPA administration in MRI of cervical disk herniations. In 34 patients, showing 40 cervical disk herniations, plain proton density- and T1-weighted as well as contrast-enhanced T1-weighted 2D-FLASH images were generated. Contrast between the herniated material and the CSF already was sufficient without administration of Gd-DTPA in all cases. Sufficient contrast between the herniations and the intraforaminal structures was obtained in 13/40 cases and 40/40 cases on plain and contrast-enhanced images, respectively. Definition of the herniated disks was judged to be sufficient in 30/40 cases on plain images and 40/40 cases on contrast-enhanced images. The diagnostic value of the images was improved in 3/12 lateral and 7/8 intraforaminal herniations by contrast administration, whereas there was no significant increase in diagnostic value in posterior or posterolateral herniations. As a result, Gd-DTPA administration is recommended if definition of lateral and intraforaminal disk herniations in MRI is poor.
authors.affiliation: Strahlenklinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Rudolf Virchow, Freie Universität Berlin.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schubeus
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schörner
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sander
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Lanksch
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Felix
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA