Acute chemical meningitis after metrizamide-lumbar myelography

Surg Neurol. 1983 May;19(5):456-8. doi: 10.1016/0090-3019(83)90146-5.

Abstract

Severe acute meningitis developed after the use of metrizamide for lumbar myelography; cerebrospinal fluid findings included a white blood cell count of 2300, mostly polymorphonuclear cells, glucose level of 8 mg% and protein level of 253%. This apparent chemical meningitis could not be distinguished, either clinically or by cerebrospinal fluid examination, from acute bacterial meningitis. This case emphasizes that severe acute meningeal reactions, while very rare, can occur after the use of metrizamide for myelography. Such patients must be evaluated promptly to rule out bacterial meningitis and should be followed carefully for possible later sequelae.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Lumbosacral Region
  • Male
  • Meningitis / chemically induced*
  • Metrizamide / adverse effects*
  • Myelography*

Substances

  • Metrizamide