Systematic double-catheter epidural venography in the diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation.

In epidural venography systematic use of two catheters and simultaneous injection of contrast medium does improve the opacification of the entire lumbar epidural venous system and the reliability of the X-rays. The combined catheterization offers the possibility of over 20 different procedures. The position of the catheters can be chosen according to diagnostic problems or technical catheterization problems during the examination. The method should be regarded as extremely reliable in diagnosing lumbar disc herniation. A small straight vein, which has not been described before, is often shown in the middle of the vertebral canal. Metrizamide may be used as a contrast agent.