[Electron-beam tomographic imaging of the coronary arteries: an experimental comparison between monomeric and dimeric x-ray contrast media].

PURPOSE: Comparison of a monomeric and a dimeric radiographic contrast medium in the visualisation of the coronary arteries via electron beam tomography (EBT).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In a total of 6 Göttingen minipigs the heart was examined by EBT (40 sections, ECG-triggering, 1.5 mm section thickness, 100 ms acquisition time) after injection of both iopamidol (monomer, 370 mg l/ml) and iotrolan (dimer, 320 mg l/ml) at a dose of 740 mg l/kg. Injection rate and scan delay were adjusted to heart rate and circulation time.

RESULTS

The intravascular increase in density after intravenous injection of iotrolan was significantly higher and longer than after injection of iopamidol (> 300 HE: 28 +/- 4 versus 17 +/- 5 cardiac cycles; p < 0.05). Iotrolan attained a higher score in the visualisation of the coronary arteries in three-dimensional surface reconstructions (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The dimeric contrast medium iotrolan proved superior to the monomeric agent iopamidol for visualisation of the coronary arteries via EBT.