Risk factors in complications of aqueous myelography.

The adverse reactions from aqueous myelography in 88 primates were reviewed to determine what factors increase the risk of complications. Seventy-four iocarmate (Dimeray) myelograms were obtained on 41 animals, and 90 metrizamide (Amipaque) myelograms were obtained on 47 animals. The risk of seizures and death from iocarmate myelography was higher than from metrizamide myelography. In animals that had previous myelograms or showed evidence of arachnoiditis, the risk of complications from aqueous myelography was higher. Additional precautions may be indicated if aqueous myelography is performed in patients with arachnoiditis.