Drip infusion cholangiography using iotroxamide. Double blind comparison with ioglycamide

Abstract

A double-blind clinical trial was performed in 200 unselected patients to compare the efficacy and tolerance of ioglycamide and iotroxamide as contrast media for i.v. cholangiography. The 2 agents were administered by slow infusion at a rate of 2.6 .mu.mol/kg bodyweight per min for 1 h. Radiological opacification of the bile duct was assessed independently by 2 radiologists. In patients with serum bilirubin levels of < 34 .mu.mol/l, visualization of the bile duct was significantly better with iotroxamide than with ioglycamide (P < 0.001). Toxic side effects were observed in 8% of patients receiving ioglycamide and in only 3% of the patients given iotroxamide.