ABSTRACT
Myelography and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid are frequently required for the diagnosis of central nervous system diseases. Residual effects of radiographic contrast media may alter interpretation of the C.S.F if a sample is analyzed shortly after myelography. Iohexol is a water - soluble, nonionic radiographic contrast medium that has widespread acceptance in myelography. In the present study the effects of iohexol myelography and repeated cisternal puncture in the dog were studied. Ten clinically normal mixed breed dogs prepared for aseptic puncture of the cisterna cerebello medullaris. Samples were collected for cytologic and chemical analysis. Blood samples for a hemogram were also collected at this time. Six dogs then received an intracisternal injection of a sterile solution of iohexol [omnipaque], 0.45 ml/kg body weight. C.S.F. was obtained from the four control dogs, but they received no iohexol. By the same aseptic technique C.S.F. was obtained form each dog 24 hours after injection for cytologic and chemical analysis. Blood samples were also collected at this time. Factors of total protein, glucose, creatine phosphokinase, physical specifications, cell count and differentiation of C.S.F from both groups before and 24 hours after the injection of contrast media were determined. Other factors like hematocrite, total protein glucose, red and white cell count of serum and peripheral blood of animals before and 24 hours post injection of contrast media were determined as well. The animals were followed up for 27 hours all the changes in temperature, respiration and heart rate during these hours and the anesthetic condition in two steps of examination were not significant and there was no any seizeures, The mean of total protein concentration in C.S.F of the test group, after 24 hours of myelography, was increased significantly [p<0.05]. The mean of total cell count, red and white cell count in the C.S.F of the test group 24 hours after the myelography showed a significant increase [p<0.01]. No significant changes were found for any other parameter. The myelographs had an appropriate quality