Nonionic contrast media in pediatric CT

In pediatric radiology there is a great demand for a safe contrast medium. In this pediatric CT trial, the safety, tolerability and efficacy of 2 nonionic contrast media, iopentol (Imagopaque) and iohexol (Omnipaque), were evaluated. The study was performed as a double-blind, randomized, parallel trial, with 55 children receiving iopentol (300 mg I/ml) and 55 receiving iohexol (300 mg I/ml). The dose injected was 2 ml/kg b.w. with an upper limit of 100 ml. Blood pressure and pulse rate were recorded. Adverse events were recorded by observation of the patients up to 24 hours after the examination. No clinically or statistically significant changes occurred. Seven adverse events other than discomfort (2 in the iopentol group and 5 in the iohexol group) were reported. The overall quality of CT enhancement was good or excellent in all cases. The results support the use of iopentol as an alternative to iohexol in pediatric CT examinations.