Irreversible neurologic complications of metrizamide myelography.

Metrizamide, a major contrast agent for myelographic procedures, has rarely been reported to cause irreversible neurologic complications. The major transient neurologic alterations include neuropsychological reactions, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and headaches. Two cases of irreversible spinal neurologic deficits resulting from metrizamide myelography are reported, and the factors that may increase the risks of complications in metrizamide myelographic studies are discussed, including preexisting dehydration, patient positioning, and the concentration of contrast agent.