CT angiography of anterior spinal artery in cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Purpose

To identify anterior spinal artery (ASA) infarct or occlusion by CT angiography (CTA) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Methods

Fourteen patients with CSM were performed CTA of ASA after admission. T2-weighted hyperintensity of MR image was compared with image of CTA of ASA.

Results

All patients presented spinal canal sagittal diameter compression from 10 to 80 % and different T2-weighted hyperintensity of MR images. No ASA infarct or occlusion was found in CSM patients.

Conclusion

ASA infarct or occlusion is not commonly seen in CSM patients with spinal canal sagittal diameter compression less than 80 %. Pathological changes about T2-weighted hyperintensity of MR image in CSM have no close correlation with ASA infarct.