Bronchography Using a Mixture of Non-ionic Contrast Medium and Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium (CMC-Na) Solution

Abstract

To evaluate the clinical usefulness and safety of bronchography using non-ionic contrast medium mixed with 4% carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na) solution, selective bronchography was performed in 10 patients. (bronchiectasis in 3, lung cancer in 4, hemoptysis in 2, blonchiolitis obliterans in 1). Iopamidol 370 mixed with a same amount of 4% CMC-Na solution was used for bronchographic contrast medium. The procedure provided diagnostic information in 9 of 10 cases. The quality of the results of the procedure was rated good in 10 patients, since the high viscosity of contrast medium prevented the rapid filling of the alveoli. The use of 4% CMC-Na solution provided proper viscosity that prevented alveolization. Transiet fever occured in only one case. In conclusion, the mixture of Iopamidol 370 and 4% CMC-Na solution appears to be a safe and effective contrast medium for use in bronchography.