A short survey on experimental studies with relevance to vascular use of metrizamide.

Metrizamide was originally developed for application in the subarachnoid space. Later the contrast medium was tested for angiographic possibilities in extensive animal experiments. The effects of metrizamide, as examined successively on the kidneys, liver, lungs and heart, were compared with those of ionizing contrast media. The effect of metrizamide on the kidneys and liver proved similar to those of the ionizing contrast media but the toxic action of metrizamide on the remaining organs was found to be smaller.