Sodium or methyl glucamine salts as contrast media for urography

A double blind trial was carried out comparing 15 g sodium amidotrizoate and 15.3 methyl glucamine amidotrizoate for urography. The sodium preparation resulted in significantly better visualisation of the urinary tract, both in normal patients and in those with renal insufficiency. For routine urography in the given dose there was no difference as regards demonstration of the parenchyma and filling of the urinary tract. Similary, there was no difference in tolerance after the intravenous administration of the two substances. The sodium salt should be avoided in patients with cardiac failure, whereas these are better tolerated than methyl glucamine salts by asthmatics. Judging by our results, the sodium salts are to be preferred for routine urography in a dose of 50 ml., particularly for patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency. (orig.)