Pediatric myelography with metrizamide

Ninety-four children were examined with metrizamide (Amipaque). Overall, the quality of the examinations in the lumbar-low thoracic region was generally equivalent to that obtained with iophendylate. Supine myelography is unfortunately still a necessity in a large number of cases. The side effects, especially nausea and vomiting, slight temperature elevation and fever, are considerably higher with metrizamide and also higher than previously reported in adults. Advantages of metrizamide over oily media are the absorption of the medium which eliminates the need for post-procedure removal and the higher rate of conus demonstration in the prone position; both facilitate the examination. The ability to follow myelography with computer scanning is also beneficial.