Magnetic resonance imaging compared with computed tomography and myelography in the diagnosis of spinal masses.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to computed tomography (CT) and myelography in the demonstration and delineation of the extent of syringomyelia. In the detection of intramedullary tumors MRI is more sensitive than CT and myelography. MRI provides additional information on the sagittal and frontal planes regarding the extent of tumors. In the diagnosis of disc prolapse MRI seems to be as accurate as CT or myelography. Additional information is available with MRI in the diagnosis of degenerated disc tissue. Spinal stenosis is easily recognizable. CT was superior in the differentiation of bony and disc protrusion. The results show that MR has opened up new possibilities in the diagnosis of spinal diseases and will lead to a reorientation of the diagnostic approach.