Electrocorticographic evaluation of iobitridol, a nonionic contrast medium, during selective cerebral arteriography in rabbits.

PURPOSE To study the effects of iobitridol, a nonionic contrast medium, on the electrocorticography and the blood-brain barrier structure in rabbits.

METHODS Iobitridol was compared with isoosmolar mannitol and isotonic saline after selective injection (2.5 mL per rabbit in 30 seconds) into the internal carotid artery in the rabbit (six per group). The electrocorticograms (two frontooccipital leads) were then subjected to spectral analysis (fast Fourier transform). Evans blue dye served as a marker of blood-brain barrier damage.

RESULTS No blood-brain barrier damage was found, regardless of the treatment administered. Selective catheterization induced an increase in slow waves (0 to 4 Hz). Analyzed both spectrally (distribution of frequency bands, position of the maximum peak with respect to the distribution, and cerebral electric power) and conventionally, iobitridol did not modify the electrocorticograph parameters in the animals. This also applied to the mannitol and saline solutions.

CONCLUSION No chemotoxic effects of iobitridol were found.