Pitfalls in posterior fossa myelography

Positive-contrast myelography of the structures of the posterior fossa is an established and useful technique of examination. The problems peculiar to this method of examination include premyelographic evaluation, identifying pre-existing posttraumatic change and extreme anatomic variations, handling the anxieties of the patient, transporting the opaque bolus from the site of introduction to the area of interest, adequate film documentation of the normal or pathologic state, and postmyelogram headache. A discussion of ways to anticipate and eliminate or minimize the problems is presented.