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Comparison of nonionic and ionic contrast agents in the rabbit lung
D E Moore1, F E Carroll, P L Dutt
1Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-2675.
Investigative Radiology
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Radiographic contrast agents can cause lung injury, including pulmonary edema, in rabbits. Higher osmolality, viscosity, and iodine content correlate with increased lung damage, indicating no contrast agent is entirely safe for pulmonary aspiration.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary medicine
- Radiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Radiographic contrast agents are widely used in medical imaging.
- Accidental aspiration of contrast agents into the lungs can occur.
- The pulmonary effects of various contrast agents require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of radiographic contrast agent aspiration in a rabbit model.
- To correlate specific contrast agent properties (osmolality, viscosity, iodine content) with observed lung changes.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits underwent aspiration of commonly used radiographic contrast agents.
- Radiographic, physiological, and histological assessments were performed.
- Evaluation of pulmonary edema, lung function, and tissue damage.
Main Results:
- All tested contrast agents induced radiographically detectable pulmonary edema, resolving within 24 hours.
- Agents with higher osmolality, viscosity, and iodine content caused more significant physiological and pathological lung changes.
- Ionic and nonionic agents with similar viscosity and iodine content showed comparable effects, irrespective of osmolality.
Conclusions:
- Radiographic contrast agents are not inert when aspirated into the lungs.
- Contrast agent properties significantly influence the severity of induced pulmonary injury.
- Careful consideration of agent characteristics is warranted to minimize risks associated with pulmonary aspiration.