Tissue reaction following endobronchial application of iopamidol and ioxithalamate in rats.

: Lung tissue reaction to endobronchial application of iopamidol and ioxithalamate were compared by chest radiograph and histological examination in the rat. Radiographs cleared within hours in both groups. Tissue reaction after ioxithalamate application was significantly more pronounced than with iopamidol and included macrophage response, partial atelectasis, and intra-alveolar and interstitial oedema. Different from iopamidol, ioxithalamate induced a significantly stronger reaction than tracheotomy alone. Because no important significant side effects were observed on chest radiographs or in lung histology, iopamidol is recommended for the radiological examination of the gastrointestinal tract in patients with an increased risk of aspiration.