3D spiral CT imaging of bone anomalies in a case of diastematomyelia

The case of a 48-year-old woman, suffering from a diastematomyelia, is pres ented. This case and the diagnostic findings are used to demonstrate the de mands on imaging methods with respect to a new classification of split cord malformations (SCMs) recently published. Although MRI is the method of cho ice for imaging of the spinal cord generally, only X-ray methods and especi ally conventional computer tomography provide the information necessary for correct classification of SCMs. Additional 3D-reconstructions from suitabl e CT-data are helpful in visualizing complex anomalies of bony structures f ound in most cases of SCM. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All right s reserved.