Radiology, Vol 150, 61-63, Copyright © 1984 by Radiological Society of North America
Pediatric urography: comparison of metrizamide and methylglucamine diatrizoate
G Robey, BJ Reilly, PA Carusi and KB Nguyen
A non-ionic contrast medium (metrizamide) was compared to an ionic agent
(methylglucamine diatrizoate) for pediatric urography. Fifty children were
divided into two age groups: under 5, and 5 to 10. In younger children,
metrizamide gave more excellent images (19% vs. 0%) and fewer inadequate
images (0% vs. 18%) than methylglucamine diatrizoate (p = 0.06). In older
children, metrizamide likewise gave more excellent images (44% vs. 14%) and
fewer inadequate images (0% vs. 7%). The same pattern was seen when the two
groups were combined (excellent, 28% vs. 8%; inadequate, 0% vs. 12%) (p =
0.05). Differences with respect to changes in hematocrit, serum osmolality,
serum sodium, and SGOT were statistically significant, but not adverse
reactions. In terms of both efficacy and safety, the authors conclude that
metrizamide is preferred for pediatric urography.
