Carlo Catalano MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Alessandro Napoli MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alberto Morisetti PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mauro Castano, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michela de Rubeis, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roberto Passariello MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Iomeron® is a commercially available solution of iomeprol, a iodinated contrast medium in clinical use for uro-angiographic and myelographic procedures. As a unique feature, its highest marketed concentration is 400 mg(iodine)/mL, which allows reduction of volumes injected. Clinical studies showed significant superiority in enhancement of small vessels by using highly concentrated solution, due to the higher iodine delivery rate. However, iomeprol can be formulated in even more concentrated solutions. After positive cardiovascular safety assessment in rabbits, we tested the efficacy of a 500 mg (iodine)/mL formulation of iomeprol in a CT study in swines, an animal model having cardiovascular anatomical and physiological analogies to humans

Iomeprol formulations at 500 and 350 mg(iodine)/mL (Bracco SpA, Milan Italy) were injected at 3 mL/s in 8 female anaesthetised pigs (60-90kg bw) at a dose of 0.5 g(iodine)/kg in a cross-over study design (at least 6 h elapsed time between the two administrations). CT examination (General Electric, HiSpeed DX) was performed with dynamic scans. Image acquisition started 8s after contrast medium administration and images were acquired every 3s for 120s. Transverse images were acquired in order to include the abdominal aorta, the hepatic artery, inferior vena cava and portal vein

Plotting arterial enhancement over time, preliminary tests showed a contrast medium dynamic profile with a more gradual and slower maximum arterial enhancement attainment for iomeprol 350 when compared to the 500, ensuing a higher (mean arterial magnitude>70 HU) and earlier arterial peak with iomeprol 500 both in aortic and hepatic arteries. Moreover, the enhancement in the cava vein produced by iomeprol 500 was statistically (P<0.01) longer lasting in respect to that produced by iomeprol 350

Iomeprol 500 favourably compares with lower concentrations, eliciting substantial HU enhancement, even in a small study population. Particularly, higher and earlier arterial peaks are promising features for small arterial imaging; nevertheless, a further investigation with a larger study group is necessary

A.M.,M.C.: A.M. and M.C. for Milano Research Centre, Bracco Imaging S.p.A

Catalano, C, Napoli, A, Morisetti, A, Castano, M, de Rubeis, M, Passariello, R, High-Concentration Iomeprol in CT Angiography: Vessel Enhancement in Anaesthetised Swines.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4417167.html