Radiology, Vol 147, 399-400, Copyright © 1983 by Radiological Society of North America
Contrast agent-induced thrombophlebitis following leg phlebography: meglumine loxaglate versus meglumine lothalamate
ML Thomas, GM Briggs and BB Kuan
A comparison was made of the incidence of venous thrombophlebitis resulting
from the use of a high-osmolality contrast medium (Conray 60%, meglumine
ioxaglate) and a low-osmolality contrast medium (Hexabrix 59%, meglumine
iothalamate). In 30 patients with varicose veins, Conray was injected into
one leg and Hexabrix into the other. The incidence of thrombophlebitis was
then determined using the iodine- 125 fibrinogen uptake test in a
prospective, randomized, double-blind study. There was significantly less
thrombophlebitis with Hexabrix than with Conray and the authors conclude
that Hexabrix is safer for phlebography. Hexabrix is also stable in
solution, only slightly more expensive than Conray, and one fifth the cost
of metrizamide.
