Iotrolan versus iopamidol for cervical myelography: a randomized double-blind trial.

Abstract

Iotrolan is the first dimeric, non-ionic, hexaiodinated, watersoluble contrast medium available for diagnostic purposes. The dimeric structure enables highly concentrated solutions to be produced which are virtually isotonic with blood and cerebrospinal fluid. A multi-centre study is being undertaken under licence from the Department of Health and Social Security. We have recently reported on its use for radiculography (Coutinho et al, 1988) and with the approval of the Hospital Ethics Committee, have now completed a larger double-blind trial of its use compared with iopamidol for runup myelography. Fifty-one patients comprising 28 males (mean age 54.3 years) and 23 females (mean age 48.7 years) were examined with iopamidol and 49 patients comprising 31 males (mean age 48.6 years) and 18 females (mean age 46 years) were examined with iotrolan. Iopamidol (Niopam, E. Merck Ltd) was used at a strength of 300 mgI/ml. Because iotrolan (Schering AG) has a longer opacification time, some patients in this group received the 300mgI/ml (iotrolan 300) and others the 240 mgI/ml (iotrolan 240) strength. There were 23 patients in the iotrolan 300 group, comprising 17 males (mean age 50.9 years) and six females (mean age 50 years), while of 26 patients examined with iotrolan 240, 14 were males (mean age 46.4 years) and 12 females (mean age 42.2 years). In each case 10 ml of contrast medium was injected.