Contrast Media Nephrotoxicity: Comparison of Diatrizoate, Ioxaglate, and Iohexol After Intravenous and Renal Arterial Administration

Abstract

In several studies in humans and animals it has been suggested that high osmolality and ionicity of contrast media are responsible for higher nephrotoxicity. To examine this suggestion, we evaluated the renal effects of three different contrast media—an ionic high osmolar, an ionic low osmolar, and a nonionic—following intravenous and renal arterial administration, in a population of 84 unselected, nondiabetic patients with adequate renal function. The results showed that the nephrotoxicity is minimal and equal for all three contrast media and for both routes of their administration, and it is concluded that in this category of patients the far higher cost of the newer low osmolar ionics and nonionics should be considered seriously in regard to nephrotoxicity.

Key Words:

• Contrast nephrotoxicity
• diatrizoate
• ioxaglate
• iohexol
• β₂-Microglobulin