Iotrol, a new water-soluble non-ionic dimeric contrast medium for intrathecal use.

The side effects associated with the use of Iotrol were determined in 100 patients and compared with metrizamide and iopamidol in two double-blind studies. The relevance of the distribution of the contrast medium in the CSF space to the occurrence of headache is discussed. The low persistence of iotrol in the brain parenchyma is demonstrated on CT density profiles, compared with metrizamide and iopamidol. Iotrol seems to be the safest contrast substance for intrathecal use.