Which neurosurgical pathology would a myelogram diagnose?

A myelogram is a diagnostic imaging procedure that involves the injection of a contrast dye into the spinal canal, allowing for enhanced visualization of the spinal cord and nerve roots on X-rays or CT scans. This technique is particularly useful in identifying abnormalities related to the spine and surrounding structures.

Spinal stenosis, characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, can be effectively evaluated through a myelogram. The contrast dye helps highlight the areas of constriction, and the resulting images can reveal how much the spinal canal has narrowed, potentially pinching the spinal cord or nerve roots. This clarity is essential for planning appropriate surgical or medical interventions.

Other conditions, while significant, do not specifically rely on myelography for diagnosis. For example, a subdural hematoma is typically evaluated through CT or MRI imaging rather than a myelogram. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, involves a different diagnostic approach, usually requiring advanced imaging techniques and protein analysis. Myelomeningocele, a type of spina bifida, is often diagnosed through prenatal imaging techniques like ultrasound rather than a myelogram. Therefore, spinal stenosis is the most appropriate pathology that a myelogram can diagnose effectively.