Spinal Vascular Imaging: Technique

In this chapter, the principal imaging techniques of vascular pathologies of the spine and spinal cord are described, including computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as well as the technical protocols, the different vascular patterns to recognize, and the clinical indications where these techniques can be applied. MRI is the technique of choice for the firstline approach of vascular lesions and their follow-up. It is the only non-radiating technique that allows visualization of the spinal cord and spinal vessels. It also permits the differential diagnosis with other nonvascular diseases. Currently, DSA is used mainly for therapeutic purposes and for detailed analysis particularly in small vascular malformations. Finally, the advantages of each technique will be illustrated with clinical examples.