Some unusual complications of myelography and lumbosacral radiculography

In 570 patients an examination of the subarachnoideal space was performed. In 77 of them oily contrast media, in 93 oxygen and in the remaining 400 patients different water-soluble contrast media were used, including Conray 60, Dimer X and Amipaque. Neurotoxic spinal complications occurred in 12 of the 400 patients investigated with hydrosoluble agents (i.e. in 3%). In one of them after investigation with Dimer X, intense cramps in the lower extremities caused a fracture of the femoral neck within a few hours after the investigation. In another patient, investigated with Amipaque, a psychotic reaction with amentia and paranoid symptoms developed, which disappeared completely after 4 days.