Comparison of metrizamide with other myelographic agents

Metrizamide is an attractive myelographic agent with several advantages over other available myelographic agents. Radiographic detail is generally superior to Pantopaque and gas myelography, the material need not be aspiradted and does not appear to result in long-term complicaitons. Because of its low neuro-toxicity, it may be allowed to come into contact with the spinal cord and brain, unlike other water-soluble agents. Its main disadvantages are its tendency to diffuse into the CSF when run from one portion of the spinal canal to another and the occurrence of acute toxic effects such as vomiting and, rarely, seizures.