J Korean Radiol Soc.  1993 Jun;29(3):378-384.

Traumatic cervical root injury: Diagnostic value of MR imaging

• Lee SK
• Chang KH
• Han MH
• Kim HC
• Kim JS
• Cha SH

Abstract

Although Soft tissue contrast and direct multiplanar imaging capability of MRI are well recognized, myelo Been the imaging modality of choice in evaluationg cervical root injury. We assessed the role of M compared its diagnostic accuracy with myelography in the evaluation of cervical root injury. MR finding Root injury in ten patients (55 roots) were retrospectively reviewed. In 26 explored roots (6 patin Frndings were compared with myelography and surgical results. In 29 roots (8 patients), which were By myelography or exploration, the MR findings were focal extraudral CSF collections (pseudomem In 21/29(72.4%, 8 patients), thickening of extradural roots in 4/29 (13.6%, 5 patients), and thickern Darn in 12/29 (41.4%, 6 patients) roots. T2-weighted axial image was superior to Tl weighted and Density-weighted images for delineationg root avulsion. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 7 93.3% respectively, while those of myelography were 83% and 90%. Overall diagnostic accuracy of Myelography were comparable (84.6% vs 87.5%). In conclusion, myelography is still considered as the Of choice in the preoperative evaluation of the cervical root avulsion because of its higher sensi, however, may obviate the myelography with some technical refinements.

MeSH Terms

Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Myelography
Retrospective Studies
Sensitivity and Specificity