Low dose cervical CT myelography. How acceptable are adverse effects at this juncture?

Acta Radiol Suppl. 1986:369:539-41.

Abstract

When cervical myelography is required, the highest incidence of adverse effects usually supervenes. These effects are particularly important in patients with metastatic disease, post-cervical trauma and out-patients. Low dose hydrosoluble CT myelography imaging (300-500 mg I, total dose) can be accomplished by injecting the contrast medium when the patient is in the CT scanner via C1-2 puncture with a small needle (e.g. 25 gauge). Our method of accomplishing this was to use C-arm fluoroscopy performed with the patient either supine or prone and to transfer the patient with the needle in situ to the scanner. This was done with the patient on a portable exchangeable CT table top. Remarkably few adverse effects (transient mild headache in 2 of 22 patients) would appear to render this technique safe and useful.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iopamidol / administration & dosage
  • Iopamidol / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Metrizamide / administration & dosage
  • Metrizamide / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelography / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Iopamidol
  • Metrizamide