Ventriculography and Myelography with Absorbable Radiopaque Medium

Abstract

Positive contrast radiographic studies of the central nervous system were first reported by Sicard and Forestier in 1922, using Lipiodol (8). Other substances investigated since that time include Abrodil (1), Thorotrast (5), Perabrodil or Diodrast (2), Pantopaque (4, 6, 9, 10, 11), Hypaque (3), and various chelate compounds (7). Failures with air, Pantopaque, and Lipiodol at stereotaxic surgery and in suspected midline tumors aroused our interest in absorbable positive contrast media. This paper reviews our investigations with Conray and other water-soluble positive contrast agents. Laboratory Investigations LD50 Study: A previous report indicated that Conray was less toxic than other similar compounds when injected cisternally in the rabbit. Toxicity studies were carried out in our laboratory with Conray, Hypaque, Skiodan, and a series of experimental compounds. These will be reported in detail later, but Conray was found to be considerably less toxic than either Hypaque or Skiodan. Isotope Studies: l131...