Myelography Diagnostics

Myelography is a diagnostic procedure similar to angiography, carried out by assistance of MRI, CT or angiography devices. Whereas it is not necessary to give a contrast agent during MR myelography, it is in case of usage of a CT or angiography device. During myelography, the spinal cord is examined by magnet resonance technque during MR myelography, or by X-ray technique during CT or angiographic myelography.

Indication myelography: when is myelography in an angiography device performed?

The myelography is performed by assistance of an angiography device if the examination of the spinal cord cannot take place by using MRI or CT systems or if the spinal cord cannot be sufficiently examined by them.

Course myelography

Before undergoing a myelography examination, it should be evaluated if an allergy to an contrast agent or a disease / illness is given that makes myelography difficult or impossible to carry out, or if drugs are taken that manipulate the myelography. A few hours prior to the examination, patients should neither eat nor drink. At the beginning of myelography, the back or neck is disinfected and a thin needle is placed at height of the iliac crest or the 1./2. cervical vertebral body, depending on the area to be examined. Given a correct placement, cerebrospinal fluid comes out. Then a contrast agent is injected into the spinal cord. After that the needle is removed. Now several X-ray images in different body positions are taken to evaluate how the contrast agent spreads out. At the end of the examination, the small wound is sterilely covered. Sometimes it can be necessary to make a CT-myelography after the angiographic myelography.