Fluoroscopic examination of the spinal cord using positive contrast agents is known as?

Fluoroscopic examination of the spinal cord using positive contrast agents is known as?

• A. CT myelography
• B. Myelography
• C. Radiculography
• D. Spinal radiography

Answer: (B)

Myelography is the term used to describe the fluoroscopic examination of the spinal cord using positive contrast agents. This imaging technique involves the injection of a contrast material into the subarachnoid space surrounding the spinal cord, which enhances the visibility of the spinal structures on X-ray images. Myelography is particularly useful for identifying conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated disks, or tumors within the spinal canal, as the contrast agent allows these anatomical features to be clearly delineated against the surrounding tissue.

In contrast to other procedures, such as CT myelography which utilizes computed tomography for imaging, or radiculography that focuses on visualizing nerve roots specifically, myelography has a broader application in examining the spinal cord and surrounding structures. Spinal radiography refers to conventional X-ray imaging without the use of contrast agents, which limits its ability to visualize certain pathologies that myelography can effectively highlight.

Therefore, myelography stands out as the precise nomenclature for the procedure described in the question, focusing on the use of positive contrast in the context of spinal examinations.