Direct cardiac effects of an ionic and a non-ionic contrast medium in dogs

Direct cardiac effects of ionic diatrizoate (Uromiro) and non-ionic iopamidol (Iopamiro) were investigated in "in situ" heart-lung preparation of 19 vagotomized dogs. Diatrizoate was found to induce considerably greater alteration in plasma osmolality and subsequent dehydration of the myocardium compared with iopamidol. Myocardial dehydration resulted in a decrease of left ventricular compliance and in that of cardiac performance. Diatrizoate was shown to influence the myocardium not only by its hyperosmolarity but also by a direct action. Heart rate was reduced by both contrast media.