Iohexol: a new, nonionic agent in adult peripheral arteriography

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Contrast Media

Background:

• Nonionic contrast agents offer potential advantages over ionic agents.
• Iohexol is a newer nonionic agent evaluated for safety and efficacy.
• Diatrizoate is a widely used ionic contrast agent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the safety and efficacy of iohexol versus diatrizoate in peripheral arteriography.
• To assess patient-reported sensations and adverse reactions.
• To evaluate diagnostic image quality.

Main Methods:

• Double-blind, parallel study involving 60 patients undergoing peripheral arteriography via femoral puncture.
• Extra-large field serial peripheral arteriography with posterior tibial nerve block.
• Comparison of blood chemistry changes, patient-reported heat sensation, adverse reactions, and radiograph quality.

Main Results:

• Similar blood chemistry changes were observed for both agents, none requiring intervention.
• Significantly fewer patients reported severe heat sensation with iohexol (10%) compared to diatrizoate (38%) (p=0.001).
• Adverse reactions were minimal: one patient with mild nausea in the iohexol group versus four patients with mild urticaria in the diatrizoate group. Radiographs from iohexol were rated excellent more frequently.

Conclusions:

• Iohexol is a safe and effective nonionic contrast agent for peripheral arteriography.
• Iohexol offers improved patient comfort and diagnostic image quality compared to diatrizoate.
• Iohexol represents a favorable alternative to diatrizoate in this specific imaging procedure.