OPACIFICATION OF EPIDURAL VENOUS PLEXUS AND DURA IN EVALUATION OF CERVICAL NERVE ROOTS - CT TECHNIQUE

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 5  (5) , 621-624
Abstract
Thin-section computed tomography (CT) after bolus high-volume, i.v. contrast enhancement of the cervical epidural and intervertebral foraminal venous plexus was undertaken in 8 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 1 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 7 of 8 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.

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