Cortical blindness after metrizamide myelography. Report of a case and proposed pathophysiologic mechanism

Arch Neurol. 1984 Feb;41(2):224-6. doi: 10.1001/archneur.1984.04050140126042.

Abstract

Metrizamide, a nonionic, water-soluble contrast medium, has been increasingly used for myelography. We saw a patient with cortical blindness, seizure, organic psychosis, and asterixis after undergoing attempted metrizamide myelography via C1-2 puncture. Computed tomography demonstrated early penetrance of metrizamide into the brain parenchyma, most prominently in the occipital lobes. A mechanism of direct metrizamide neurotoxicity was proposed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blindness / etiology*
  • Blindness / physiopathology
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metrizamide / adverse effects*
  • Myelography

Substances

  • Metrizamide