Iodixanol, a new non-ionic, dimeric contrast medium in cardioangiography: a double-masked, parallel comparison with iopromide

Iodixanol (320 mg I/ml) was compared with iopromide (370 mg I/ml) in a double-masked, parallel group, randomised trial of 120 patients undergoing cardioangiography in order to evaluate and compare safety, tolerability and radiographic efficacy. The overall diagnostic information and radiographic density were mainly optimal and no differences between the contrast media were detected. No serious adverse events were reported in either group, and there were no clinically relevant changes in blood chemistry. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups regarding discomfort during injection of contrast medium, the intensity of warmth being less for iodixanol (P = 0.003). Blood pressures and heart rate remained practically unchaged during coronary arteriography in both groups. During left ventriculography, the peak systolic pressure decreased after injection of iopromide (mean change ±SD: - 7.9 ± 11.1 mm Hg, P < 0.001), while there was no significant change after injection of iodixanol (mean change± SD: 0.9 ± 8.3 mm Hg). The results indicate that both contrast agents are effective, safe and well tolerated in cardioangiography, but administration of iodixanol results in a less intense sensation of warmth and a slightly better haemodynamic profile than does administration of iopromide.