1. Radiographs (A) and (B) are anteroposterior and lateral views mode after injection of contrast into the thecal sac. This conventional myelogram can identify where the flow of contrast is restricted, but cannot always identify the reason for the restriction. Compare these radiographs with the CT myelogram of another patient: (C) is a coronal reformatted image, and (D) is a sagittal reformat. There is normal contrast filling the thecal space at all areas except at L1; the arrow points to a bony defect that impinges on the thecal sac and indents the column of contrast. Note the ability to actually see the conus medullaris of the spinal cord (star, C) and the dangling cauda equina below it. The advantage of the CT myelogram is the direct visualization of these soft tissues and the direct cause of impingement.
Source: GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF MUSCULOSKELETAL IMAGING, Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Imaging
Citation: McKinnis LN. Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Imaging; 2014 Available at: Accessed: November 01, 2017
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