[Comparison of myeloscintigraphy and myelography with positive contrast media (Dimer-X) in the diagnosis of intervertebral disk prolapse].

When comparing myeloscintigraphy with positive myelography (Dimer X) in the diagnosis of the lumbar prolapse of intervertebral disks, identical findings were obtained in 17 out of 24 cases. Of these, both methods showed pathological findings in 12 cases and normal conditions in 5 cases. Only in 5 pathological myeloscintigrams normal Dimer X myelograms were obtained and in 2 myeloscintigrams judged as normal the positive myelograms were pathologic. With a good correlation of the two methods in typical cases the Dimer X myelogram, however, offers the advantage of the possibility of examining in several planes under constant reference to the vertebral column. Owing to the good tolerance, myeloscintigraphy should be used in screening diagnoses and in cases where also thoracic parts have to be included in the examination.