Iodixanol and iohexol in cardioangiography -: A comparative vectorcardiographic study

Purpose. The non-ionic dimeric contrast medium (CM) iodixanol is isotonic with blood through the addition of electrolytes. In this study, we evaluated computerised dynamic vectorcardiography (VCG) as a tool in Chi research by comparing the electrophysiological effects of iodixanol with those of the low-osmolar Chi iohexol. Material and Methods: A total of 119 patients referred for cardioangiography were included in this double-blind, randomised, parallel comparison of iodixanol (320 mg I/ml) and iohexol (350 mg I/ml). VCG was recorded and different VCG parameters were analysed. General tolerability, safety and radiographic efficacy were also assessed. Results: Iodixanol induced less changes than iohexol in all VCG parameters and the sensation of warmth was significantly milder after iodixanol, but both CM were well tolerated. VCG might be useful in future studies to analyse electrophysiological effects caused by CM.