CONTRAST-ENHANCED MRI OF THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM - COMPARISON BETWEEN GADODIAMIDE INJECTION AND GADOLINIUM-DTPA

Gadodiamide injection, a new nonionic, MRI contrast medium, was compar ed with the ionic agent gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA at 0.1 mmol/kg body weigh t in a double-blind, randomised trial in 60 patients, 30 receiving eac h substance, with known or suspected lesions of the central nervous sy stem. The patients were closely questioned about adverse events. In th e Gadodiamide injection group, four patients reported six adverse adve nts, three of which were judged to be related to the contrast medium. In the Gd-DTPA group, two patients each reported one adverse event, bo th of which had an uncertain relation to the contrast medium. All even ts were mild and no medical treatment was needed. No significant chang e in neurological findings, blood pressure, pulse rate or blood parame ters were noted in any patient. Both contrast media were effective; no difference in overall efficacy or safety was observed.