Ventriculography with methylglucamine iocarmate (Dimer-X)

Abstract

In an attempt to study the use and value in ventriculography of meglumine iocarmate (Dimer-X), previously accepted as a water soluble contrast medium safe for myelography, we have conducted animal experiments to compare Dimer-X with meglumine iothalamate (Conray 60) and meglumine diatrizoate (Angiografin). We also made clinical studies of Dimer-X. In the animal experiments, 1.5 ml and 2.0 ml of Dimer-X were injected into the ventricles of 7 dogs. We noted the apparent superiority of Dimer-X over Conray 60 and Angiografin as far as side effects were concerned, but there were no particular differences in the intensities of the ventriculograms obtained. Morphological studies of the ventricles and histological examinations of the ventricular walls 1 month after intraventricular injections of Dimer-X showed no abnormalities. In the clinical studies, ventriculography with 1–5 ml Dimer-X, performed on 17 cases, aged 8 months to 62 years, with diseases of the central nervous system, produced ventriculograms of good diagnostic value with no side effects, such as convulsions, apart from mild headache or vomiting in 4 instances.