Myelography

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

Indication myelography: when is myelography performed?

Angiographic myelograhpy is performed in case the examination of the spinal cord cannot take place in MRI or CT systems, or if the spinal cord cannot be sufficiently examined by them.

How is myelography carried out?

Prior to myelography, it should be assessed if patients suffer from an allergy to a contrast agent or a disease/illness that makes myelography difficult or impossible to carry out, or if a patient´s medication may manipulate the outcome of 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 first/second cervical vertebral body, depending on the area to be examined. If placed correctly, cerebrospinal fluid comes out. Then a contrast agent is injected into the spinal cord. Afterwards, the needle is removed. Now several X-ray images in different body positions are made in order to evaluate how the contrast agent spreads out. At the end of myelography, the small wound is sterilely covered. Sometimes it can be necessary to make a CT-myelography after the angiographic myelography.