[MR effects of x-ray contrast media].

Although Pantopaque has now been widely replaced by water-soluble contrast media for intrathecal application, retained residuals of oily contrast media are still a very common finding. Whereas other contrast media, e.g. barium in the GI tract, are inert in magnetic resonance imaging, the signal behaviour of Pantopaque may lead to false interpretations. Similar to fat, the T1 and T2 relaxation times of Pantopaque are short. Conventional radiographs of the spine are recommended in patients with intradural MRI findings similar to fat in case of previous myelography.