X-ray examination of the spinal cord and vertebral canal following the introduction of contrast media into the spinal subarachnoid space is called as?

1. A

   Echoencephalography

2. B

   Myelography

3. C

   Electromyography

4. D

   Electroencephalography

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

• The question describes a specific diagnostic procedure involving an X-ray of the spinal canal.
• Key elements are the use of contrast media injected directly into the spinal subarachnoid space.
• This exact definition corresponds to Myelography, a procedure used to detect issues like herniated discs, tumors, or spinal stenosis.
• The term 'myelo-' refers to the spinal cord, and '-graphy' refers to a process of recording or imaging.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: Echoencephalography uses ultrasound waves to image the brain, not X-rays and contrast dye to image the spinal cord.
• Option C: Electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves using needle electrodes; it is a functional test, not an imaging study of the spinal canal.
• Option D: Electroencephalography (EEG) records the brain's electrical activity via scalp electrodes. It does not involve imaging, X-rays, or contrast dye in the spine.

Related Visual

• Visual 1: Diagram: A sagittal view of the spine showing a needle inserted into the lumbar subarachnoid space for a myelogram, with contrast dye highlighting the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Visual 2: Image: A comparative image showing a normal myelogram versus one with a herniated disc causing a filling defect in the contrast column.

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Myelography as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• A critical nursing responsibility before a myelogram is to assess for allergies to iodine and shellfish, as the contrast media used is often iodine-based, to prevent anaphylaxis.
• Post-procedure, monitoring for a post-lumbar puncture headache is vital. This headache worsens when sitting or standing and improves when lying flat. It's caused by CSF leakage at the puncture site.
• What if? If a patient has a known severe allergy to iodinated contrast, a myelogram is contraindicated. The physician would likely order a non-contrast MRI or a different diagnostic test to evaluate the spinal pathology.

How to Approach the Question

• First, break down the question stem into key components: 'X-ray examination', 'spinal cord/vertebral canal', and 'contrast media in subarachnoid space'.
• Analyze the prefixes and suffixes of the options. 'Myelo-' relates to the spinal cord, and '-graphy' relates to imaging.
• Evaluate Option B, 'Myelography'. This term directly aligns with the key components identified in the stem.
• Systematically rule out the other options by recalling their definitions. 'Echo-' means sound (ultrasound), 'electro-' means electricity, '-encephalo-' means brain, and 'myo-' means muscle.
• Confirm that Echoencephalography (brain ultrasound), Electromyography (muscle electrical test), and Electroencephalography (brain electrical test) do not match the procedure described.
• Conclude that Myelography is the only term that accurately describes an X-ray of the spinal cord using contrast dye.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Definition of Myelography
• Stem keywords: X-ray examination, spinal cord, vertebral canal, contrast media, spinal subarachnoid space
• Lead-in keywords: called as
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QMNwp0wwuiKuX4OSgsa580

Copy ID