Magnetic resonance myelography (MRM) as a spinal examination technique

PURPOSE: Conventional myelography involves side effects and complications due to puncture of CSF space and injection of contrast medium. On the other hand, MR-myelography (MRM) is a new noninvasive method requiring neither puncture nor contrast medium and causing no side effects. The diagnostic value and accuracy of MRM was evaluated in comparison with conventional myelography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, 41 patients (17 male, 24 female, mean age 42 years) with radicular symptoms underwent conventional lumbar myelography and were also submitted to MRM. Evaluation was performed in a blind manner by two independent examiners. RESULTS: The specificity and sensitivity of the methods are identical. MRM shows 35 cases of thecal indentation with amputation of a nerve root sheath and 6 cases of spinal stenosis. The results of conventional myelography and MRM were surgically confirmed in 38 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Both methods have the same diagnostic accuracy, but MRM requires neither puncture nor contrast medium nor x-rays.