Shoulder arthrography with sodium meglumine metrizoate and iopamidol

The purpose of this study was to analyze arthrographic imaging of the structures of the shoulder joint when using either sodium meglumine metrizoate or iopamidol as a contrast medium. Two hundred and ten patients underwent single-contrast shoulder arthrography. In patients with a full-thickness tear of the rotator cuff, both contrast agents reliably revealed this lesion. However, in patients with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear, the biceps tendon could be demonstrated more readily with iopamidol, which is a non-ionic contrast medium. (orig.)