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Abstract:
In lumbar myelography, early side effects occur in about half the patients examined with modern water-soluble contrast media. At myelography with Amipaque (metrizamide) these reactions are usually minor, and serious adverse reactions are rare. In our own series of 650 consecutive lumbar myelographies with Amipaque there were no serious adverse effects. Minor adverse reactions occurred in 56% of the patients. Transient electroencephalogram (eeg) changes were seen in 14% of the patients, with only 5 patients showing paroxysmal spike activity. Adhesive arachnoiditis following lumbar myelography occurs significantly less often with Amipaque than with any other contrast medium. The properties of Amipaque provide excellent possibilities for detailed studies of all parts of the spinal subarachnoid space, and the medium constitutes a new and interesting aid for these investigations.
Insights
Amipaque (metrizamide) is a safe contrast medium for lumbar myelography, with rare serious side effects in 650 patients. Minor reactions occurred in 56%, but adhesive arachnoiditis was significantly less common.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Lumbar myelography often causes side effects with water-soluble contrast media.
- Amipaque (metrizamide) is a modern contrast agent for spinal imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Amipaque in lumbar myelography.
- To assess the incidence of adverse reactions and complications associated with Amipaque.
Main Methods:
- A series of 650 consecutive lumbar myelographies using Amipaque.
- Monitoring for early side effects, electroencephalogram (eeg) changes, and adhesive arachnoiditis.
Main Results:
- No serious adverse effects were observed in 650 patients.
- Minor adverse reactions occurred in 56% of patients.
- Transient eeg changes in 14% and significantly lower incidence of adhesive arachnoiditis compared to other contrast media.
Conclusions:
- Amipaque is a safe contrast medium for lumbar myelography with a low rate of serious adverse events.
- It offers excellent visualization of the spinal subarachnoid space.
- Amipaque is a valuable tool for spinal investigations, with a favorable safety profile regarding adhesive arachnoiditis.