Comparison of iodixanol 270 with iohexol 300 in infrapopliteal arteriography - Digital densitometric analysis of angiographic opacification

Purpose: To compare iodixanol 270 mg I/ml with iohexol 300 mg I/ml in infra popliteal arteriography by measuring digital densitometric vessel opacifica tion and by visually assessing angiographic enhancement. Material and Methods: In a double-blind, dual-balanced, dr-sequence crossov er design, 50 claudicant patients received two contrast media injections (1 0 min interval) in the superficial femoral artery. Digital angiography was performed at 8 frames/s and time-density curves with a circular region of i nterest over a distal calf artery were generated. A mixed, linear model was used to identify effects influencing the density measurements. Subjective evaluation of the image quality was made independently by two observers. Results: No statistically significant difference between the contrast media was revealed in the analysis of the densitometric measurements (p=0.14) no r in the subjective visual evaluation (p=0.74). However, the mean density a t the time of maximum opacification was higher after the first injection th an that after the second injection (p=0.02). There was a tendency towards l ower intensity of warmth during injection of iodixanol 270 than during inje ction of iohexol 300. Conclusion: In patients with severe occlusive atherosclerotic disease, iodi xanol yielded the same image quality as iohexol in infrapopliteal arteriogr aphy, in spite of the 30 mg I/ml lower iodine concentration.