title: Current iodinated contrast media.
abstract: The number of scientific papers on iodinated contrast media is declining. Indeed, comparative trials between high-osmolality and low-osmolality agents largely showed the higher safety and tolerability of the latter, and this is no longer a matter of discussion. Only financial constraints could prevent a total conversion to low-osmolality agents. Research comparing low-osmolality (nonionic monomers, ionic dimer) and iso-osmolality contrast media (nonionic dimers) are still ongoing. Both classes of nonionic compounds proved safer than the ionic dimer. The relative merits of nonionic monomers and nonionic dimers are a matter for debate, and criteria for a selective use of different agents for different procedures could be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Cattinara Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stacul
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007455:Iodine; D007477:Ions; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012449:Safety
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D007477:Ions; D007455:Iodine