[Experimental evaluation of iotrolan as an arthrographic contrast medium--knee arthrography with iotrolan in rabbits]

Authors evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of iotrolan, a nonionic dimeric contrast medium used for myelography, as an arthrographic contrast medium in comparison with meglumine/sodium diatrizoate and iopamidol in rabbit. Iotrolan (Isovist, 300 mgI/ml) was injected in one knee joint and diatrizoate (Urografin, 292 mgI/ml) or iopamidol (Iopamiron, 300 mgI/ml) in the other at a dose of 1.5 ml/knee. Knee arthrograms were taken 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 min after injection. Contrast density was determined by measuring the transmission density in the supra-patellar bursa with an image analysis system. The anterior displacement of the patellar from the femur was measured as an indicator of hydrarthrosis. Contrast duration in the supra-patellar bursa was longer with iotrolan than with diatrizoate and iopamidol. Hydrarthrosis was less pronounced with iotrolan than with diatrizoate and iopamidol. These results suggest that iotrolan has the advantage over existing contrast media for arthrography with respect to the efficacy and tolerability.