The toxicity of non-ionic water-soluble contrast media in selective vertebral angiography. An experimental study in rabbits with special reference to the difference between monomeric and dimeric compounds.

Selective vertebral angiography was performed in 28 rabbits in order to compare the adverse effects of two monomeric (metrizamide, iohexol) and two dimeric (iodecol, 2-5410-3) non-ionic water-soluble contrast media. The dose was 2,5 ml and the iodine concentrations 300 mg per ml. Marked, but transitory changes were seen in the electrocardiographic and blood pressure recordings with all the contrast media and with no difference between them in this respect. The two monomers had a higher tendency than the dimers to cause spasm in the intracranial arteries. No serious complications were seen in the series.