GADODIAMIDE INJECTION AS A CONTRAST-MEDIUM FOR MRI OF THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM - A COMPARISON WITH GADOLINIUM-DOTA

The tolerance and diagnostic efficacy of a new nonionic, intravenous M RI contrast medium, gadodiamide injection (Omniscan(R)) are reported a nd compared with those of gadolinium-DOTA after completion of a double -blind, randomized, parallel study in 60 patients using a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg. Two patients were excluded from the statistical analysis afte r trial entrance since no contrast medium was injected. The indication s for the MRI examination were known or suspected CNS lesions. Vital s igns, chemical and haematological parameters were monitored. No signif icant abnormalities were observed, confirming the excellent tolerance of both contrast media. The usefulness of gadolinium-containing contra st media was again documented, since in 8.6% (5/58) of the patients th e lesion(s) could be seen only after injection. Contrast enhancement w as seen in 87.8% (43/49) of the patients with abnormal findings, and p rovided additional diagnostic information in 24.5% (12/49). Lack of co ntrast enhancement in 12.2% (6/49) of patients with abnormal findings was a significant negative finding.