Opacification of epidural venous plexus and dura in evaluation of cervical nerve roots: CT technique

• Published in: American journal of neuroradiology : AJNR Vol. 5; no. 5; pp. 621 - 624
• Main Authors: Heinz, ER, Yeates, A, Burger, P, Drayer, BP, Osborne, D, Hill, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oak Brook, IL Am Soc Neuroradiology 01.09.1984; American Society of Neuroradiology
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cervical Plexus - diagnostic imaging; Contrast Media; Diatrizoate; Diatrizoate Meglumine; Drug Combinations; Epidural Space - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Medical sciences; Nervous system; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Spinal Nerve Roots - diagnostic imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Human; Radicular syndrome; Nervous system diseases; Intravenous administration; Radiodiagnosis; Spine; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Cervical root; Extradural; Opacification; Computerized axial tomography; Vein; Osteoarthritis; Contrast media; Cervical spine; Biomedical engineering
• ISSN: 0195-6108; 1936-959X

Thin-section computed tomography (CT) after bolus high-volume, intravenous contrast enhancement of the cervical epidural and intervertebral foraminal venous plexus was undertaken in eight patients. Visualization of exiting cervical nerve root by opacification of the surrounding intervertebral plexus was evaluated in 38 foramina. Visualization was judged as excellent in 77% and good in 21%. Thus the nerves were seen satisfactorily in all but one foramen. As the CT scan parallels the long axis of the cervical roots as they pass through the intervertebral foramen, anatomic delineation of the root out to the level of the vertebral artery is excellent. A local widening of the root, which was thought to represent the dorsal root ganglion, was seen in most foramina examined. Excellent filling of the epidural plexus was seen in seven of eight subjects; good opacification was seen in the other subject. In no instance did the study fail to satisfactorily fill the epidural plexus in the cervical vertebral canal. This technique appears to be an excellent method for evaluating the cervical nerve roots and the epidural space.