Iopentol in urography. A clinical comparison between iopentol and metrizoate including delayed reactions

A double-blind comparative study of the nonionic contrast medium iopentol and the ionic contrast medium metrizoate for urography was carried out in 200 adult outpatients. Significantly less discomfort and other side effects were observed following iopentol than following metrizoate. No serious adverse reactions and no clinically significant alterations in heart rate or blood pressure were observed. A questionnaire was used to record delayed symptoms, from 30 min after contrast medium injection and for one week. The response rate was 92% and delayed adverse events were reported by 45%. The incidence of delayed reactions was significantly lower following iopentol than following metrizoate, i.e., delayed arm pain, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, nasal congestion, and rash. Delayed arm pain was probably due to contrast medium induced thrombosis in 1% following iopentol and in 8% following metrizoate. Most other symptoms were probably related to a combination of nocebo effect and coincidentally occurring symptoms. The urograms with both media were of similar high quality. Iopentol was found a suitable contrast medium for urography.