[X-ray contrast media Melitrast-300 and Melitrast-270 in cardiological diagnosis].

The aim of this study was the evaluation of safety and cardiologic efficacy of the non-ionic contrast agent Iosarcol (Melitrast), a contrast agent with low protein affinity in two different iodine concentrations. One hundred patients were prospectively randomized to receive either Melitrast-270 or Melitrast-300 for left heart ventriculography and coronary angiography. Clinical evaluation, blood pressure and pulse measurement were performed and an electrocardiogram was recorded before and after contrast application and the diagnostic efficacy using a score was evaluated. In three patients side effects could be observed 2 hours after the application (vertigo, sickness, sweating). Melitrast in both concentrations led to a good contrast during ventriculography and coronary angiography which could not be differentiated by two experienced observers. Thus a lower iodine concentration and by this a lower viscosity seems to favour Melitrast-270 for invasive cardiologic diagnosis.