Bacterial meningitis following pantopaque myelography. A case report and literature review

A case of acute bacterial meningitis following Pantopaque myelography is reported, and the literature reviewed pertaining to this uncommon but potentially fatal complication. A positive Gram's stain is most helpful in differentiating bacterial from chemical meningitis. Treatment of the meningitis before and after determination of its cause is described. Preventive steps include removal of Pantopaque from the subarachnoid space immediately at the conclusion of fluoroscopy, and observance of strict sterile technique during myelography, including use of face masks.