[ERCP: which contrast medium is suitable?]

To evaluate, wether a new non-ionic contrast medium decreases the complication rate of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP), we performed a prospective randomized study in 46 indoor patients with suspected pancreatic or bile duct related disease. The low-osmolar low-viscosity non-ionic Iopromid (Ultravist, n = 15), the low-viscosity high-osmolar Ioglicinate (Rayvist, n = 18), and the conventional dissociable high-viscosity Ioxaglinate (Heaxbrix, n = 13), each presenting a iodine content of 300-320 mg/ml were compared. All three contrast solutions gave excellent imaging of pancreatic and bile ducts. No complications, particularly no pancreatitis were observed. Hexabrix caused significant elevations of gamma-GT from 126 U/l to 178 U/l and mof lipase from 144 U/l to 418 U/l (p less than 0.01), respectively. Following Rayvist or Ultravist injections, no significant changes of the leucocytes, SGOT, SGPT, gamma-GT, AP, lipase and amylase were observed. We conclude that ERCP performed by skilled investigators is a low risk procedure. Selection of suitable contrast media may diminish hepatotoxic and pancreatotoxic side effects. According to our results, we recommend low-viscosity contrast media (Rayvist, Ultravist). The presumed benefit of the non-ionic solution (Ultravist) could not be demonstrated.