LATE MENINGEAL REACTION TO ETHYL IODOPHENYLUNDECYLATE USED IN MYELOGRAPHY

Abstract

Ethyl iodophenylundecylate (Pantopaque) has been employed extensively as a contrast medium in myelography since it was first introduced about 10 years ago. Its widespread use is evidence that severe reactions are uncommon, and in our experience ethyl iodophenylundecylate has proved to be a most satisfactory medium. We had observed only transitory and minimal reactions until the case herein reported came to our attention. This case is noteworthy for several reasons. The serious complications were so long delayed (15 months) after the use of ethyl iodophenylundecylate in myelography that it might easily have been overlooked as an etiological factor. The fatal termination was due to intracranial arachnoiditis, as a result of inadvertent introduction of the ethyl iodophenylundecylate into the basal cisternae during myelography. This emphasizes the importance of employing proper technique to avoid such an occurrence. REPORT OF A CASE A 33-year-old man was admitted to the hospital on Dec. 22,