Iohexol cervical myelography in adult outpatients.

Abstract

The incidence of adverse reactions following standard film or screen cervical myelography with iohexol in 32 adult outpatients was reported. Iohexol at a dose of 1,080-3,000 mg of iodine was administered via a lateral C1-C2 approach in 26 patients and via a lumbar route in 6 patients. All 32 patients underwent postmyelographic cervical spine computed tomography and were discharged after the procedure was completed. No adverse reactions occurred in 53.1% of patients. The most common adverse reaction was headache (31.3%); other minor adverse reactions included exacerbation of pre-existing pain (12.5%), neck stiffness (9.4%), and vomiting (6.3%). Good to excellent technical quality was seen on all myelograms and computed tomographic scans. Outpatient cervical myelography with iohexol appears to be a safe and cost-effective alternative to inpatient examination.