Myelography wiht perfluoroctylbromide. Comparison with Pantopaque.

The efficacy and toxicity of perfluoroctylbromide in myelography were studied in dogs. Perfluoroctylbromide moves freely in intrathecal space and provides satisfactory radiopacity for diagnosis of subarachnoid structures. The outstanding feature of this substance is its low toxicity. The dog tolerates 0.5-1.0 ml/kg intrathecally without toxic manifestation. Histological studies and CSF analyses show that it is much less irriating than Pantopaque. Because of the long retention of the perfluorocarbon removal may be necessary. Perfluoroctylbromide shows promise as a diagnostic contrast medium, particularly in cases where the currently available contrast media are not suitable.