[The effect of x-ray contrast media on magnetic resonance tomography of the spinal canal].

The effects of x-ray contrast media on signal intensities were studied. Relaxation times of myelographic contrast media were measured. Whereas relaxation times of Amipaque were longer, compared to CSF, the relaxation times of Duroliopaque, Omnipaque und Solutrast were significantly shorter than that of CSF. Therefore, the qualitative and quantitative effects of different contrast media on signal intensities varied. Most notable was the increase of signal intensity on T1-weighted images due to oily contrast media.