Neuroradiology for Spinal Disorders

UCSF neuroradiologists specializing in imaging of the spine and peripheral nerves use advanced techniques for rapid and accurate diagnoses.

 

• Computed Tomography (CT): Six CT scanners provide detail of the bony anatomy of the spinal vertebrae. These scanners are also used for CT angiography, which allows visualization of a patient’s disease in relation to the complex vascular structures surrounding the spinal cord. 3D CT reformatting is used to create 3D representations of the spinal anatomy as it would be seen in the operating room, allowing for improved preoperative planning and safer procedures.

 

• Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging: Three 3T scanners and nine 1.5T scanners, all equipped with the most up-to-date software and protocols, produce exquisite detail of the spinal cord, vertebral column, and discs.

 

• Functional Imaging: MR diffusion is an advanced technique that has been widely used in brain imaging, but can now also be applied to the spine. Non-routine sequences are employed to identify common clinical problems of the spinal cord and vertebral column, such as ischemia, myleopathy, injury, and infection.

 

• MR Neurography: MR neurography is a form of tissue-selective imaging directed at identifying and evaluating characteristics of nerve morphology, which may be used for diagnosis of peripheral nerve disorders. This novel technique offers increased specificity over electrodiagnostic tests and standard MRI by using morphology and signal intensity to distinguish between normal and abnormal nerves.

 

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Two PET scanners are used in the diagnosis and management of spinal tumors.

 

Interventional Neuroradiology

 

Neuroradiologists perform a wide range of interventional diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, some of which are inherently less invasive and may preclude surgery. Some of these techniques include:

 

• CT-guided pain procedures

– Cervical and lumbar nerve, epidural, and facet blocks

– Sciatic nerve anesthetic injections

– Piriformis anesthetic injections

– Radiofrequency ablations

 

• Discography

 

• Spinal angiography

 

• Embolization of spinal vascular malformations

 

• Vertebralplasty for osteoporotic compression fractures

• Spinal and soft tissue biopsy