ROENTGENOLOGIC EXPLORATION OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM WITH IODIZED OIL (LIPIODOL)

Abstract

From the beginning of our experiments on the roentgenologic use of iodized oil, we have thought that this substance would be suitable for the exploration of the cavities of the spine and the skull. In spite of the remarkable sensitiveness of the nervous organs, we trusted the wonderful innocuousness of lipiodol, and the experience of four years has demonstrated the possibilities of this new method of exploration. Why is lipiodol so well tolerated in the cerebrospinal fluid when very small quantities of mercury or arsenic give such violent reactions? The answer is simple. Lipiodol is not an oily solution of iodine, but a chemical compound in which 40 per cent iodine is firmly bound to a vegetable oil, poppy-seed oil. On account of the high percentage of iodine the opacity to roentgen rays is very great. But as the iodine is not free and cannot be detected by ordinary chemical