A comparison of T2 and gadolinium enhanced MRI with CT myelography in cervical radiculopathy.
Two MRI strategies which have been reported to be effective in assessing cervical exit foramina, were prospectively compared with CT myelography in 20 patients with cervical radiculopathy. The first strategy utilized 3D T2* images, the second gadolinium enhanced 2D T1 images. Gadolinium (dimeglumine gadopentetate, Schering Ltd) enhanced images did not confer any benefit in the investigation of this condition, probably due to enhancement of herniated disc material and osteophytes adjacent to the neurocentral joint. Three-dimensional (3D) T2* white cerebrospinal fluid images had an accuracy approaching 90% for the diagnosis of foraminal encroachment, compared with a gold standard. MRI including a 3D T2* sequence is thus an acceptable primary investigation for cervical radiculopathy, but when the findings are incompatible with clinical symptomatology, CT myelography is still indicated.
Bartlett
R J
RJ
Department of Radiology, Hull Royal Infirmary, UK.
Hill
C R
CR
Gardiner
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009192:Myelography; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA