The effect of ionic and nonionic contrast media on the sickling phenomenon.

Abstract

The effects of an ionic contrast agent (meglumine iothalamate) and a nonionic contrast medium (iopamidol) on the sickling phenomenon were studied in vitro. The findings indicate that, at the same concentration of contrast agent in the blood, iopamidol causes significantly less sickling than meglumine iothalamate. This indicates that nonionic contrast agents are preferable for diagnostic studies in patients with sickle cell anemia.