Diagnostic value of coronal MRI for lumbosacral nerve root lesions

The angled coronal MRI was performed in 75 patients with suspected lumbar degenerative disorder, and the review was made on the imaging techniques and diagnostic value for lumbosacral nerve root lesions. Normal lumbosacral nerve roots and their following spinal nerves were well depicted by T1 weighted coronal images which was slightly slanted against the rear face of the vertebral body. The images had similar diagnostic value with myelography and radiculography at once. The pathological condition at the level of or beyond the dorsal root ganglion which is called the 'hidden zone' is difficult to detect on myelography. The direct radiculography has been proposed to overcome this myelographic limitation. In these cases the angled coronal MRI could demonstrate the pathology of the above mentioned lesions precisely and was a useful diagnostic method. (author)