HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Correspondence: Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Correspondence are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Gates, P. C. Articles by Barnett, H. J.M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Gates, P. C. Articles by Barnett, H. J.M.

CT metrizamide myelography in syringomyelia

Sensitivity and specificity

Department of Neurology (Dr. Gates), St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and the Departments of Diagnostic Radiology (Dr. Fox) and Clinical Neurological Sciences (Dr. Barnett), University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.

In a retrospective study of 32 patients with "proven" syringomyelia and 15 patients with an alternate proven diagnosis, a change in the caliber of the spinal cord with different positions ("collapsing cord sign or cord collapse") had a sensitivity of 38% and a specificity of 87%. Central cord enhancement ("bull's-eye") on delayed CT had a sensitivity and specificity of 91% and 87%, respectively. The positive predictive value of cord collapse was 87%, while the positive predictive value of central cord enhancement was 94%.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Barnett, Room 1–3, University Hospital, PO Box 5339, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5A5.

Accepted for publication January 23, 1986.