Iohexol versus meglumine-Ca-metrizoate in cerebral angiography. A randomized double-blind cross-over study

The tolerance and suitability of iohexol in cerebral angiography was compared in a clinical trial with meglumine-Ca-metrizoate in 20 patients. A preference for iohexol after injection into the external carotid artery in a paired comparison was established in 84.2 per cent of the patients. The difference was also statistically significant (p less than 0.01) with regard to the intensity of discomfort estimated according to a four grade scale. The milder sensations occurred more frequently with iohexol (1.21), while moderate as well as severe reactions were caused by metrizoate (2.78). These reactions caused discomfort and occasionally movements, with blurring of the films. Both contrast media provided sufficient information to enable an accurate radiologic diagnosis.