title: Application of multi-detector row helical scanning to postmyelographic CT.
abstract: The advent of a multi-detector row helical CT has made it possible to attain images over a broader area with good spatial resolution. We assessed whether postmyelographic CT scans obtained using this system provided more information than conventional imaging techniques. Postmyelographic CT scans were preoperatively obtained in 46 patients using a multi-detector row helical CT system. Reconstructed images in the sagittal and coronal planes in all patients and curved reformation images along the dural sac in 37 patients were compared with myelograms and conventional postmyelographic CT scans. In 34 patients comparison was also made with MR images. The multi-detector row CT images demonstrated deformities of the dural sac more clearly than the other modalities in 39 of the 46 patients. They also provided the best visualization of nerve root abnormalities in 24 of the 46 patients and clearly revealed the presence of spurs in all 22 patients with spinal canal stenosis. Postmyelographic CT scans made using a multi-detector row helical CT system provide more information on the dural sac, nerve sleeves, and their contents than other imaging techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2, Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan. tsuchiyak-kyr@umin.ac.jp
authors.forename: Kazuhiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tsuchiya
authors.forename: Shichiro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Katase
authors.forename: Chinatsu
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aoki
authors.forename: Junichi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hachiya
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009192:Myelography; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids; C033300:iotrolan