CT Myelogram / CT
CT Myelogram
is for people who cannot undergo MRI ; or after surgery with hardware, as this hardware can cause a lot of artifact on MRI.
A spinal needle is introduced into the spinal canal to inject dye (contrast) under x-ray guidance. This is followed by a CT scan.
Risks: headache, allergic reactions to contrast, nerve injury, leakage of spinal fluid, radiation and rarely, seizure. As in any such needle procedures, infection, bleeding can also occur.
After the procedure: keep your head slightly elevated for 24 hours following the myelogram. Use 1-2 pillows on the bed. Do not lie flat or allow your head to be lower than the rest of your body until the next morning. Drink extra fluids for the remainder of the day. Avoid drinks with alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours.
CT
when looking at a predominantly bone problem, or after surgery with hardware, when the hardware causes a lot of artifact on MRI.
typically used to look for big or small fractures, failure of healing of fractures, curved spines, integrity of bone graft used in surgeries, after surgery with hardware, and to assess hardware proper position and function
Risk: radiation, contrast allergies, may have to discontinue metformin medicines for diabetes, or avoid contrast if severe kidney disease
Screening is typically done
Although still useful to see the screw going into a disc, notice how the MRI has artifact from the hardware. X-rays on Left, MRI on Right
CT showing infection causing destruction in the spine. The screws do not cause as much artifact.
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