Gallbladder visualisation following paediatric cardioangiography with Hexabrix.

Fifty children had an upper abdominal radiograph performed 24 hours after cardioangiography with Hexabrix (meglumine/sodium ioxaglate). The gallbladder was clearly visualised in 32 patients (64%) in the absence of clinical or radiographic evidence of renal impairment. Total contrast dose would appear to be the main determining factor. Hexabrix differs significantly in this respect from conventional uro-angiographic contrast media (diatrizoate and iothalamate) in which opacification of the gallbladder is unusual and strongly associated with renal impairment. Possible reasons for this difference are discussed.