The Aword

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1960

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1960: Whilst Taren ([1]) published a report of raised intracranial pressure and multiple cranial nerve palsies after Pantopaque myelography, labelling was approved by the FDA in America.

During the 1960s, the scale of the deception practised by the pharmaceutical company escalated.

Studies performed by Hazleton Laboratories in 1962 looked at intra-peritoneal and intramuscular injections of Pantopaque.

These showed infiltration of the compound beyond the injected area as well as inflammation and calcification.

This was noted as being slightly greater than that seen with Procaine penicillin in sesame oil and Tween 80. (Note that Tween 80 Material Safety Data Sheet states that it is a possible carcinogen and is irritant to skin and eyes, and it is known to cause anaphylactic reactions in dogs)

In the same year, Mason and Raaf ([2]) reported a case of obliteration of the subarachnoid space by Pantopaque arachnoiditis.

[1] Taren JA J Neurosurg 1960; 17: 323-326 Unusual complication following Pantopaque myelography.

[2] Mason MS et al. Journal of Neurosurgery 1962; 19: 302 Complications of Pantopaque myelography. Case report and review.