title: Iodinated contrast media and contrast-induced nephropathy: is there a preferred cost-effective agent?
abstract: Over 20 years have passed since the introduction of the tri-iodinated low-osmolar nonionic contrast agents such as iopamidol, iohexol, ioversol and iopromide. During this time, most cardiology practices have switched to these nonionic agents to avoid the nuisance side effects and cardiac adverse events associated with the older ionic contrast agents. Although the improved tolerability of the nonionic agents is generally attributed to their decreased osmolality (approximately half that of the older ionic contrast agents), in fact, these contrast agents also differ from the older agents in their ionicity, viscosity and direct chemotoxicity. The impact of these properties on safety, together with cost differences, should be considered when selecting a contrast agent.
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai Hospital, Box 1030, One Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA. samin.sharma@mountsinai.org
authors.forename: Samin K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids