[Ascending and descending myelography with water-soluble contrast medium. A report on thoracic and cervical metrizamid-myelography in 200 patients (author's transl)].

Ascending and descending thoracic and/or cervical metrizamid myelographies were conducted in 200 patients of all age groups. The apparatus used was of the type usually available in x-ray departments. Diagnostic results were good, or at least satisfactory, for a broad spectrum of diseases. No additional myelographic examinations using conventional contrast media were necessary. Metrizamid myelography represents a successful compromise between air and iodine-oil myelography, ie it combined their essential advantages, absorbability of the contrast medium, or favourable contrast. It is superior to both methods in respect of clarity of detail. The incidence of complications can be kept low mainly by limiting the amount of contrast medium or the concentrations used, as well as by employing a careful examination technique. Previous experience in myelography with oily contrast media will prove very useful.