Experiences with iohexol and iodixanol during cardioangiography in an unselected patient population.

AIM: To compare the frequency of adverse events after cardioangiography with iohexol and iodixanol in an unselected patient population with special regard to previously defined "risk patients": age> or =65 years, severe coronary artery disease, unstable angina pectoris and left ventricular dysfunction.

METHODS

A total of 1020 patients referred to cardioangiography were included in this open, prospective cross-sectional study, comparing iodixanol (320 mgI/ml) and iohexol (350 mgI/ml). Adverse events were recorded and the patients answered a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Cardiac adverse events (CAE) i.e., angina pectoris, arrhythmia and dyspnea within 24 h of examination were reported by 9% of patients receiving iohexol and by 7% receiving iodixanol. Two cases of ventricular fibrillation occurred, both after iohexol. The proportion of CAE was 11% for patients> or =65 years receiving iohexol and 7% in younger patients. For patients receiving iodixanol the proportion was 7%, in both age groups. Patients with severe coronary disease had more CAE than less ill patients in both CM groups. The proportion of unstable patients with CAE was 18% in the iohexol group and 12% in the iodixanol group. Left ventricular dysfunction was not related to CAE.

CONCLUSIONS

Iodixanol could be advantageous in patients with unstable angina.