Contrast media used in cystourethrography. Experimental evaluation.

The effects of five iodinated contrast media and of physiologic saline on bladder capacity were studied. It was found that a significantly greater volume of sodium chloride was tolerated than of Cysto-Conray, Conray 30. Hypaque meglumine 30, Hypaque sodium, and Dimer X. Dimer X was tolerated in the smallest volume. The reason for the difference in volume tolerated is not known. The bladder mucosa showed dehydration changes 6 hr after saline cystogram with no change at 24 hr, 48 hr, 7 days, and 3 months. The contrast media produced dehydration and hydropic and desquamative changes in the bladder mucosa with at least one of these changes persisting up to 3 months. There was no significant difference in the severity of the changes produced by the various contrast media. No evidence of inflammatory changes was seen in the bladder mucosa or wall or in the ureter with any of the agents.