Metrizamide in cervical myelography. Survey and present state.

The total number of patients examined with metrizamide (Amipaque) for cervical myelography up to 31 December 1976, exceeds 2,000. Review of this series under more detailed analysis of the 365 examinations performed at the Ullevål Sykehus indicate that such examinations can be performed safely and with excellent diagnostic results, provided the technique is satisfactory. Various techniques may be adequate. The injection of the contrast medium via a lateral C1-C2 puncture with the patient prone ensures optimum control of the contrast column to avoid intracranial flow, and therefore to give the lowest rate of side effects.