[Scanning the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord following endolumbar and cisternal administration of colloid solutions of radioisotopes].

The patency of the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord was studied by means of radioisotopes in 82 patients, among whom 18 had tumors of the spinal cord, 22 had herniation of the intervertebral disk, 18 had complicated fractures of the spine, and 11 had inflammatory diseases of the spinal cord and its meninges. Colloidal solutions of 198Au, 111In, and 131I were used for endolumbar and cisternal infusion. Scanning of the vertebral canal provides for the diagnosis of the level, degree, and extent of its compression caused by various vertebro-medullary pathologic conditions. The method is sparing, minimum doses of isotopes are used, and no complications are produced.