The frequency of hyperamylasemia after ERCP with diatrizoate and iohexol

The frequency of hyperamylasemia was examined in 88 consecutive patients undergoing ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreaticography) using either meglumine diatrizoate at 306 mgI/ml., or iohexol at 240 mgI/ml. There was no difference in the incidence of hyperamylasemia between these two groups of patients, nor did any other factors appear to influence its occurrence. The authors conclude that acute hyperamylasemia after ERCP is a complication of relatively minor importance unlikely to be reduced by the use of low osmolality contrast media.