Myelographic characteristics of metastasis to the spinal cord and cauda equina

Five cases of metastasis to the substance of the spinal cord or nerve roots from a non neurogenic primary malignant tumor are added to the 47 previously reported in the literature. The myelographic findings include widening of the cord shadow and irregular nodular expansions of the roots of the cauda equina. Intradural block to the flow of contrast medium in the subarachnoid space is common, but if no block is found, large volumes of contrast medium may be required to demonstrate lesions on the posterior aspect of the spinal cord.