Contrast agents used for myelography: an historical perspective

Radiographers often lack a sense of historical perspective, but lack of knowledge of the past can obstruct further advances. This article summarizes the history of myelographic contrast agents used in the 60 years prior to the introduction of water-soluble, non-ionic, low osmolar compounds currently employed. These media have either been negative or positive; water-soluble or insoluble; ionic or non-ionic; very hypertonic or relatively less so.