Adhesive arachnoiditis after lumbar radiculography with Dimer-X and Depo-Medrol

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Lumbar radiculography is a diagnostic imaging technique used for suspected disk herniation.
• Adhesive arachnoiditis is a serious complication of spinal procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential link between intrathecal Dimer-X and Depo-Medrol and the development of adhesive arachnoiditis.
• To evaluate the safety of combining water-soluble contrast media with steroids for lumbar radiculography.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 252 patients undergoing lumbar radiculography.
• Comparison of outcomes between patients who received Dimer-X with Depo-Medrol versus Dimer-X alone.

Main Results:

• Fifteen patients receiving Dimer-X plus Depo-Medrol developed adhesive arachnoiditis.
• No cases of adhesive arachnoiditis were observed in patients who received Dimer-X alone.
• No clear correlation was found between radiological findings of arachnoiditis and clinical symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Intrathecal administration of steroids in combination with water-soluble contrast media like Dimer-X may lead to adhesive arachnoiditis.
• Avoid combining intrathecal steroids with water-soluble contrast agents for lumbar radiculography.