Intravenous digital subtraction angiography with iohexol (Omnipaque) and sodium meglumin diatrizoate (Urografin)

A randomized, double-blind crossover trial in intravenous digital subtraction angiography (DSA) (aorto-femoral or aorto-cervical) was performed in 38 patients with Omnipaque, 350 mg I/ml versus Urografin, 370 mg I/ml. The aim of the study was to compare subjective reactions, ECG, heart rate, blood pressure, image quality and disturbing artefacts. The median volume of contrast media given per patient was 165 ml, ranging from 85 to 250 ml. No serious complications occurred. Fewer and significantly (p less than 0.05) less intense reactions as sensations of heat and taste were experienced after Omnipaque. Significantly more patients preferred Omnipaque. The heart rate changed significantly more after Urografin than after Omnipaque. Urografin also caused a significantly greater but transient decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There was a tendency to better overall quality and less artefacts when using Omnipaque, but the difference between the two media was not statistically significant.