Unintentional spinal cord arteriography: a warning.

Abstract

A recent report of several cases of spinal cord damage following bronchial arteriography suggests a warning to the angiographer, whose attention might otherwise be concentrated on other organs. Abusive injection of contrast material into or obstruction of a cord feeder during catheterization of critical vessels is the essential factor in angiography-related cord complications. Every angiographer should have some knowledge about the vascular supply of the spinal cord, and lavage of the cerebrospinal fluid should be employed as emergency therapy if necessary.