Comparative clinical study with iotrolan versus metrizamide in lumbar myelography.

In order to examine the radiopacity, safety, and usefulness of iotrolan, a new dimeric, nonionic, water-soluble contrast medium for myelography, a multicenter clinical study was performed in lumbar myelography using metrizamide as the reference drug. Both media were injected at a strength of 190 mg I/ml in 90 patients each. Both contrast media showed good opacification; there was no significant difference between the two media. The incidence and severity of side effects were significantly lower with iotrolan than those with metrizamide. No severe side effects, such as convulsion and shock, were observed with either medium.