Effect of low osmolar, ionic and nonionic, contrast media on the cytologic features of exfoliated urothelial cells.

The effect of low osmolar, ionic and nonionic, contrast media on the cytologic features of exfoliated urothelial cells were measured in vitro and compared to those induced by standard, high osmolar radiographic contrast media. The low osmolar agents were found to induce no significant adverse effects on the cytologic features of the urothelial cells, whereas the ionic agents clearly distorted certain cytoplasmic and nuclear features. These findings may support the use of low osmolar nonionic agents for retrograde urography if posturographic cytologic studies are contemplated.