Experimental urography with new non-ionic dimeric and monomeric contrast agents

The potential usefulness in urography of two new non-ionic dimeric ratio 6 contrast media (iodixanol and cpd. 2-5410-4A) and a new non-ionic monomeric ratio 3 contrast medium, iopentol, was investigated in a rabbit model and compared with iohexol. Urinary iodine concentrations, urine flow, estimated attenuation capacity and radiographic scoring by visual observation was determined at three dose levels in normally hydrated and at one dose level in dehydrated animals. At the high dose (500 mg I/kg) and in dehydrated animals at 200 mg I/kg the dimers yielded higher urinary iodine concentrations, an increased estimated attenuation capacity and a higher radiographic score than the monomers. Iopentol was as effective as iohexol in all the recorded parameters.