Cervical canal stenosis: relative merits of the diagnostic imaging modalities

ABSTRACT

Twenty seven patients with cervical myeloradiculopathic symptoms were examined by MRI. Myelography was done to 21 patients and is followed by CTM in 20 cases. Twenty patients were operated upon. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT myelography provided comparable information about the degree of narrowing of the spinal canal, cord compression and encroachment on lateral foramina. CT myelography is slightly more sensitive in the detection of osseous component of a disc lesion and MRI is superior in detecting intrinsic cord lesions [gliosis and cavitation]. Because MRI is not invasive and has several practical advantages, it is recommended as the primary imaging modality in patients with myeloradiculopathic symptoms