3D MR myelography

A three-dimensional (3D) fast imaging with steady state precession sequence structured to maintain constant phase at the radiofrequency pulse, in the presence of motion, was employed to produce high signal intensity of the CSF relative to the extradural and neural structures in 170 consecutive spine MR examinations. In addition to displaying the resulting partitions as two-dimensional (2D) images, the acquisition was subjected to a maximum intensity projection postprocessing algorithm for viewing at multiple angles. The projected images demonstrated a global view of the thecal sac and the dural root sleeves. The global depiction of the thecal sac and root sleeves was equivalent to contrast myelography in 15 patients where comparisons were available. These projection myelographic images, used in conjunction with 2D and reformatted 3D cross-sectional images, may provide clinical services with enough information (in a format with which they are comfortable) to eventually eliminate the need for contrast myelography in the evaluation of extradural disease.