Clinical, radiographic and pathologic effects of Amipaque on rabbit lung. Comparison with barium and Gastrografin

The effects of saline and 3 contrast media, Amipaque, Gastrografin and barium, were evaluated for 24 hours following intratracheal instillation in rabbits. Respiratory rates, serial chest films, and pathologic examination of the lungs demonstrated that Amipaque induced significantly less respiratory distress than the other 2 contrast media whereas inflammatory reactions were comparable for all of the media. Significant pulmonary edema occurred with both Amipaque and Gastrografin but was greater with Gastrografin. Both of these media were cleared from the lung within 24 hours, however barium continued to obstruct bronchi and fill alveolar air spaces. It is concluded that in comparison to Gastrografin and barium, Amipaque is relatively innocuous in the lung.