Evaluation of canine lumbosacral stenosis using intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography

The objective of this study was to evaluate intravenous contrast-enhanced c omputed tomography as a technique for predicting the within-level location( s) of compressive soft tissues in the canine lumbosacral spine. Pre-operati ve intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the L5-S3 vertebral levels was performed in 12 consecutive large breed dogs with lumbosacral s tenosis, The images were evaluated for enhancement of soft tissues by two r adiologists who were unaware of the surgical findings. For each within-leve l location (dorsal canal? ventral canal, right lateral recess, left lateral recess) enhancement was classified as present, absent or equivocal. The re sults were compared with the results of surgical exploration and histopatho logy of excised tissues. The positive predictive values of intravenous cont rast-enhanced computed tomography for compressive soft tissues involving th e dorsal canal, ventral canal and lateral recesses were 83%, 100%, and 81% respectively. Negative predictive values for compressive soft tissues invol ving these locations were 29%, 50%, and 40% respectively.