MR imaging of spinal nerve roots: techniques, enhancement patterns, and imaging findings.

Abstract

The purpose of this report was to review the MR techniques, contrast enhancement patterns, and MR imaging findings for the spinal nerve roots. The phenomenon of contrast enhancement of the nerve roots and its relationship to disk disease and failed-back-surgery syndrome are discussed. The MR imaging findings for various inflammatory and neoplastic disorders affecting the spinal nerve roots are described and illustrated.