Combined use of spin-echo and gradient-echo MR-imaging in cervical disk disease. Comparison with myelography and intraoperative findings.

In a prospective study we compared the diagnostic value of combined gradient-echo (GE) and spin-echo (SE) MR imaging with cervical myelography in 30 patients with clinical signs and symptoms of cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy due to disk disease. Only patients who subsequently underwent surgery (anterior interbody approach) were included. By means of MRI the clinically relevant segment was identified in all cases, by means of myelography in all but two patients. Using both spin-echo (SE) and gradient-echo (GE) techniques it was possible to differentiate between bone tissue and disk material by MR in all but one. It is concluded that MRI-especially gradient-echo imaging is a viable alternative to cervical myelography and can be considered as an initial diagnostic procedure for suspected cervical disk disease.