Successful intravenous cholecystocholangiography in the jaundiced patient using meglumine iodoxamate (Cholovue)

A clinical trial of meglumine iodoxamate (Cholovue) for intravenous cholangiocholecystography in 18 patients with elevated levels of serum bilirubin was performed. Ten to 30 cc of a 40% aqueous solution of the agent were given intravenously over a ten minute period and roentgenographic examinations conducted to document the agent's effectiveness, to determine optimal levels of dose, and to assess its safety. Common bile duct and gallbladder visualization was obtained in a surprisingly large number. The agent was effective with bilirubin levels up to 6.5 mg %. The optimal dose in patients with elevated bilirubin is probably in the range of 20 cc. Despite intensive monitoring, there were no important adverse clinical nor laboratory reactions observed. The new agent appears to offer a significant improvement over Cholografin, particularly with respect to patients with elevated bilirubin levels.