A randomised, prospective study comparing two contrast media in ERCP.

A randomised, prospective, stratified, double blind study comparing two contrast media in endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) was undertaken. Forty-six patients received Meglumine/Sodium Ioxaglate (Hexabrix 320) and forty-eight received Meglumine/Sodium Diatrizoate (Urografin 310). The two groups were evenly matched for age, sex and diagnosis. Radiographs were examined independently by two radiologists. There were no differences in radiograph quality with either type of contrast medium. More patients developed pancreatitis following Urografin, suggesting that Hexabrix is a safer contrast medium for ERCP.