Magnetic resonance myelography

Magnetic resonance myelography (MR myelography or MRI myelography) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that can provide anatomic information about the subarachnoid space. It a is type of MRI examination that uses a contrast medium and magnetic resonance imaging scanner to detect pathology of the spinal cord, including the location of a spinal cord injury, cysts, tumors and other abnormalities. The procedure involved the injection of a gadolinium based contrast media into the cervical or lumbar spine, followed by the MRI scan.
Procedure.
The radiologist will first numb the skin with the local anesthetic and then inject the gadolinium based contrast media into the spinal cord at the interspace between third and fourth lumbar vertebrae (L3-L4). Then the patient will be asked to roll on the table until the contrast is evenly distributed in the spinal cord and fill the nerve roots. Then the patient will be transferred to the MRI table and the scan will be taken.
Advantages.
Major advantages of MR myelography over conventional radiographic myelography include its lack of ionizing radiation, noninvasive nature, and lack of need for intrathecal contrast material.