CT imaging in lumbar disc disease. The value of multiplanar reconstructions

A CT/T 8800 (General Electric) CT scanner was used to study lumbar disc disease in fifty patients. In seven patients so-called computed tomography metrizamide myelography was performed, whereas in the remaining cases no contrast enhancement was used. Multiplanar reconstructions were done. Irradiation exposure was measured during the investigations and compared with data during conventional myelography. We found that lumbar CT scanning is not a screening method in cases of lumbar disease, but the aimed use gives further information about the underlying process and its differential diagnosis. Multidirectional reconstructions reduce the number of diagnostic errors. This procedure does not increase the radiation exposure dose in comparison with conventional myelography.