iothalamate-meglumine and Glioma

Various contrast agents with either sodium or meglumine cations and iothalamate and diatrizoate anions are compared in a series of patients with malignant gliomas. There is no difference in the ability of these agents to enhance tumors in cranial computed tomography.

Topics: Brain; Brain Neoplasms; Diatrizoate; Diatrizoate Meglumine; Glioma; Humans; Iothalamate Meglumine; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

The temporal relationship of blood iodine levels to tumor enhancement in cranial computed tomography was studied in a series of patients. Both the bolus and biphasic techniques were evaluated. Peak tumor intensity may not develop immediately, but may be more pronounced on a 20-minute scan. The low-density centers seen in malignant gliomas show delayed enhancement. These low-density centers represent a second compartment which equilibrates with the intravascular and interstitial contrast material at a much slower rate. Patients with malignant gliomas can be scanned up to one hour following contrast injection without significant loss of information.

Topics: Blood-Brain Barrier; Brain Neoplasms; Contrast Media; Glioma; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Iodine; Iothalamate Meglumine; Permeability; Radiographic Image Enhancement; Tomography, X-Ray Computed