[Use of a nonionic contrast medium (Omnipaque 350) in hysterosalpingography. A comparison with ionic contrast media]

The comparative adequacy was investigated of a nonionic contrast medium (iohexol) versus the ionic contrast medium usually employed in hysterosalpingography. The contrast radiologic features and the radiodiagnostic possibilities of both cm are definitely good. The nonionic contrast medium diffuses quickly and causes the uterine cavity to expand less than ionic contrast media do, thus allowing a better depiction of mucosal and/or parietal pathology. Moreover, nonionic cm allows tubal patency and peritoneal diffusion to be clearly demonstrated, particularly in uncertain cases. As compared to ionic cm, Iohexol did not cause any side effects, except for a mild discomfort. Our results lead us to suggest the use of nonionic contrast medium as the routine contrast medium in hysterosalpingography.