Iohexol: summary of North American and European clinical trials in adult lumbar, thoracic, and cervical myelography with a new nonionic contrast medium.

Iohexol, a new water-soluble nonionic contrast medium, was evaluated in clinical trials in Europe and North America for lumbar, thoracic, and cervical myelography using direct C1-2 or lumbar puncture. Iohexol was administered at 180, 240, or 300 mg I/ml to 677 adult patients for visualization of the lumbar subarachnoid space, and to 368 adult patients for evaluation of the cervical area. Compared with metrizamide, use of iohexol resulted in equivalent opacification but significantly reduced patient morbidity (headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness). No epileptogenic activity was recorded in over 370 patients receiving iohexol. No mental or psycho-organic syndrome manifestations were observed in any of the 1,045 patients receiving iohexol. Adverse reactions occurring after iohexol injection were not related to the concentration or site used or to total dose administered. Iohexol has, thus far, proven superior to metrizamide for myelography.