[Neuroradiology of primary and secondary spinal tumors]. / Neuroradiologia dei tumori spinali primitivi e secondari.

ABSTRACT

The recent availability of spinal CT has modified the classic diagnostic algorithm of spinal and spinal cord tumors. The most important diagnostic signs given by traditional radiologic study of the spine (postural defects, signs of dysraphism, alterations of peduncles and neural foramina , soft paraspinal tissue changes, intra- and extra-vertebral calcifications, etc.), by myelography with hydrosoluble non ionic contrast medium and by spinal angiography are described. Their complementary indications and their up-to-date role in the diagnosis of site, size and nature of spinal neoplasms are discussed. The neuroradiological pictures of the most frequent spinal and vertebral tumors are summarized.