Experimental Production of Arachnoiditis with Water-Soluble Myelographic Media

Abstract

After myelography with metrizamide (300 mg I/ml) or meglumine iocarmate (280 mg I/ml), mild to severe arachnoid fibrosis was demonstrated radiographically and histologically in primates [monkey]. Intrathecal metrizamide (170 mg I/ml) injections or autologous CSF produced less arachnoiditis. The arachnoiditis risk is probably minimized by use of reduced volumes and concentrations of H2O-soluble media. Controlled arachnoiditis studies following myelography are probably more reliable in the primate model than in other experimental animals.