Radiology, Vol 157, 387-390, Copyright © 1985 by Radiological Society of North America
CT myelography for outpatients. An inpatient/outpatient pilot study to assess methodology
SJ Zinreich, H Wang, ML Updike, AJ Kumar, HS Ahn, RB North and AE Rosenbaum
The diagnostic usefulness, limitations, and adverse reactions associated
with computed tomographic myelography using metrizamide were assessed for
broad outpatient application. The initial approach was to examine
inpatients (n = 38) with low-dose metrizamide (100 mgI/ml). This low dose
was believed less likely to be associated with side effects. They were then
treated as if they were outpatients, with the liberties this entailed. The
consequences of needle puncture were minimized by using a 25-gauge
disposable needle. Thirty-four (89%) patients remained free of side effects
after the procedure. Subsequently, this technique was extended to 42
outpatients, 38 (90.5%) of whom remained asymptomatic. For comparison, 170
mgI/ml was used in another 25 outpatients, who evidenced more symptoms. The
potential medical, economic, and therapeutic benefits of obviating
hospitalization by safer outpatient CT myelography seem clear.
