Postoperative convulsions due to iophendylate (Myodil). Report of a case and review of the causes of postoperative convulsions.

A previously fit 58-year-old man underwent lumbar laminectomy following a myelogram. Postoperatively convulsions occurred. He was successfully treated and made a complete recovery. Large quantities of intracranial iophendylate (Myodil) were seen on postoperative skull X-rays. In the absence of other likely causes, a diagnosis of iophendylate-induced encephalopathy was made. A review of the aetiology of convulsions in the intra- and postoperative period is presented.