An evaluation of myelography with non-ionic water soluble contrast medium-iohexol.

Iohexol myelography was performed in 25 cases of suspected spinal cord compression. Out of these, 24 cases gave optimally informative myelogram, while one case showed quasi-informative myelogram. Myelographic efficacy regarding the level of lesion was correct in all cases. On final evaluation 15 cases were diagnosed as extradural lesions, 9 cases as intradural extramedullary type and one case as diastematomyelia. Only single case which was diagnosed as intramedullary lesion on myelography was, in fact, an extradural lesion. There were only minor side-effects in the form of headache and paraesthesia in the lower limb. It was concluded that iohexol is a safe contrast medium with high efficacy and minimal side-effects for the total examination of spinal canal.

Comparative evaluation of computed tomography and cerebral angiography in the management of subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Plain and contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of brain and cerebral angiography were done in 20 subjects of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), diagnosed on the basis of clinical parameters and proved by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. Plain CT scan of brain confirmed the diagnosis of SAH in all the 20 (100%) cases, but was able to demonstrate the cause of SAH in 11(55%) cases only. Contrast CT scan provided additional information in 7 more cases. CT was also able to demonstrate the site and extent of bleeding, evidence of intraventricular bleeding and hydrocephalus. Cerebral angiography done in all the cases, confirmed the diagnosis in 14 (70%) cases diagnosed on CT and was able to give additional information in 4 more cases. It also showed excellent vascular details which were not possible with CT scan. It is concluded that enhanced CT scan should be done first in all the cases of SAH for preliminary scouting and angiography should be done where CT scan gives incomplete information or where surgical management is contemplated. Both the investigations were found to be complementary to each other.