Computed body tomography with a new nonionic contrast agent. Comparison of ioversol with sodium/meglumine diatrizoate

The authors undertook a double-blind parallel group comparative study of 80 adult patients to examine the efficacy, safety, and tolerance of ioversol and sodium/meglumine diatrizoate in patients undergoing computed body tomography (CT). All procedures were considered diagnostic, although the scan quality of four procedures enhanced with sodium/meglumine diatrizoate was rated fair. Both contrast media induced clinically insignificant postprocedure decreases in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There were no statistically significant differences between the two contrast media in their effects on these or other vital signs. Ioversol was better tolerated, as evidenced by significantly lower pain and heat scores. There was a remarkable difference in adverse side effects induced by ioversol (n = 0) and sodium/meglumine diatrizoate (n = 14 [35%], including six of moderate severity). Ioversol is a safe and effective nonionic contrast agent for contrast-enhanced body CT.