THE USE OF MR CONTRAST AGENTS IN THE EVALUATION OF DISEASE OF THE SPINE

In the last decade, magnetic resonance (MR) of the spine has become the imaging modality of choice, superseding both computed tomography (CT) and myelography, for the evaluation of a broad spectrum of disease entities. The capability for multiplanar imaging, the use of nonionizing radiation, and the ability to obtain a myelographic-like image (without intrathecal contrast injection) all provide distinct advantages. This article reviews the current applications of intravenous contrast media in MR for evaluation of the spine and its contents. In many instances, contrast enhancement plays a valuable role in developmental disease, trauma (e.g., disk herniation, both before and after surgery), infection, vascular disease, neoplasia, degenerative disease (e.g., neurogenic claudication), and demyelinative processes (e.g., multiple sclerosis).