IOMEPROL VERSUS IOPAMIDOL IN CONTRAST-ENHANCED COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY OFTHORACIC AND ABDOMINAL ORGANS

The aim of this double-blind, parallel-group study was to compare the safety, tolerance, and efficacy of iomeprol-350 (350 mgI/ml), iomeprol -400 (400 mgI/ml) and iopamidol-370 (370 mgI/ml) for use in contrast-e nhanced body computed tomography (CT). Following written informed cons ent, 120 adult inpatients of either sex requiring CT of thoracic or ab dominal organs were randomly assigned to receive iomeprol-350, iomepro l-400 or iopamidol-370. Pre- and post-contrast, all patients underwent clinical, instrumental and laboratory investigation to assess the saf ety of the test agents. Tolerance was assessed in terms of discomfort associated with contrast injection. Two experienced radiologists indep endently and blindly graded the quality of contrast enhancement obtain ed with the different contrast solutions by means of a five-point ordi nal scale as follows: 1, insufficient; 2, sufficient; 3, good; 4, exce llent; or E, excessive. Patients in the iomeprol groups needed fewer i njections and a smaller volume of contrast medium to obtain examinatio ns of adequate diagnostic quality. Contrast enhancement was judged as excellent or good in about 90% of the study examinations, without sign ificant differences between the three study groups. During contrast in jection, heat and pain sensations were minimal or absent in most cases . No serious adverse events occurred throughout the study. No signific ant changes in clinical, instrumental or laboratory safety parameters were observed. In conclusion, iomeprol-400 and iomeprol-350 appear to be contrast solutions at least as safe, well tolerated and effective a s iopamidol-370 when used as contrast agents for body CT.