Comparison between Iodixanol and Iohexol for Cervical Myelography in Cat

Objective- To evaluate and compare the radiographic efficacy and safety of a non-ionic dimeric and isotonic iodinated contrast medium, iodixanol (320 mgI/ml) and a non-ionic monomer and hypertonic contrast medium, iohexol (300 mgI/ml) in feline cervical myelography. Design- Experimental study Animals- Five adult healthy cats. Procedures- Iodixanol and iohexol were injected into the cerebellomedullary cistern. Radiographs were obtained immediately, 10, 20, 40 and 60 minutes after injection. The myelograms were scored and analyzed for statistical significance. Results- Diagnostically adequate radiographic examinations were obtained with both agents. Adequate opacity in thoracic and lumbar vertebrae was obtained after 10 and 20 minutes post injection for both contrast agents. After 40 minutes contrast agents were had reached the end of lumbar vertebrae column. No significant differences in scoring for image quality were observed between two contrast mediums (p>0.05). Iodixanol and iohexol radiopacified cervical region immediately after injection. Adequate opacity in thoracic and lumbar vertebrae was obtained after 10 and 20 minutes post injection for both contrast agents. Evaluation of each of the radiographs showed good to excellent opacification. No clinical and neurological abnormalities were found related to the myelographic procedure during one week after injection. Vital signs, CBC and some serum biochemical examinations remain in normal ranges. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Iodixanol and iohexol proved to be safe and effective contrast materials for myelographic studies in cats. More mean score of iodixanol suggests that, it is preferable to perform myelography with iodixanol.