Sequential CT scanning in radiation myelopathy.

ABSTRACT

Myelography is usually normal in radiation myelopathy. Occasionally it may show an enlarged spinal cord with block or a spinal cord of reduced size. It is assumed that the enlargement of the spinal cord is transitory, occurs in early stages of radiation myelopathy and is due to oedema, whereas atrophy is seen in later stages of the disease. This assumption however has not been clearly established by sequential radiological examinations. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate such changes by repeated X-ray investigations.