Open AccessMagnetic Resonance Imaging and Intraoperative Neurosonography in Syringomyelia
Author(s) -
Jr Je Wilberger,
Maroon Jc,
E R Prostko,
P Baghai,
Irwin Beckman,
Ziad L. Deeb
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
neurosurgery/neurosurgery online
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.485
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1081-1281
pISSN - 0148-396X
DOI - 10.1227/00006123-198704000-00016
Subject(s) - syringomyelia , medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , syrinx (medicine) , myelography , radiology , chiari malformation , ultrasound , spinal cord , psychiatry
Treatment of syringomyelia remains a difficult and controversial problem. However, the recent advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intraoperative ultrasound allows a more precise approach to the diagnosis and management of this disorder. Experience with 27 cases of syringomyelia has shown that MRI is superior to all other forms of diagnostic imaging for the exact anatomical delineation of syrinxes and other spinal cord cavities. One-third of the syrinxes demonstrated by MRI were either not adequately visualized or missed by myelography and/or computed tomographic scanning. Intraoperative ultrasound has been used to allow more precise operative approaches to the syrinx as well as to guide the exact placement of shunt tubes into syrinx cavities. A method has also been developed to allow intraoperative ultrasound of the spinal cord with patients in the sitting position.