title: Optimization of low-osmolality contrast media for cranial CT: a dose comparison of two contrast agents.
abstract: A prospective, randomized, double-blind comparative study of 200 patients was made to examine the image quality, safety, and costs of 100 ml of ioversol-320 (32 g iodine) and 150 ml of iohexol-300 (45 g iodine) in patients undergoing cranial CT. We found no statistically significant difference in image quality between the two low-osmolality, nonionic contrast agents at these doses. There was a statistically significant (p = .02) difference in the occurrence of minor to mild adverse effects caused by ioversol (n = 0) as compared with iohexol (n = 5). No patient in either group experienced any major contrast-induced reactions. Contrast media costs were 34% less in patients receiving 32 g of iodine as compared with those receiving 45 g of iodine. This study demonstrates that high-quality cranial CT scans are possible even with a reduced volume of low-osmolality contrast medium, and that the potential cost savings are significant.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, St. John's Hospital, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield 62769.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kuhn
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007472:Iohexol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids; D007472:Iohexol; C054871:ioversol