Radiology, Vol 151, 665-670, Copyright © 1984 by Radiological Society of North America
Lumbar myelography with iohexol and metrizamide: a comparative multicenter prospective study
SA Kieffer, EF Binet, DO Davis, TO Gabrielsen, DK Kido, RE Latchaw, PA Turski and DD Shaw
Diagnostic quality of radiographs and adverse reactions associated with the
use of metrizamide and iohexol as contrast agents in lumbar myelography
were compared in a prospective randomized double blind study in 350
patients at seven centers. The contrast media were administered in
comparable volumes at a concentration of 180 mg I per ml. Overall quality
of radiographic visualization was graded good or excellent in 95% of 175
metrizamide studies and in 98% of 175 iohexol studies. Ninety-three
patients examined using metrizamide (53%) and 130 patients examined using
iohexol (74%) experienced no discomfort during or after myelography.
Postmyelographic headache was associated with 38% of metrizamide
examinations and 21% of iohexol examinations. Nausea and vomiting were also
more common with metrizamide. Five patients examined using metrizamide (3%)
experienced transient confusion and disorientation following lumbar
myelography. No such reactions were observed following iohexol myelography.
