Iotrolan (trade name Isovist) is an iodine-containing radiocontrast agent, a substance used to improve the visibility of body structures on images obtained by X-ray techniques. It is particularly used to image spaces surrounding the central nervous system, such as the ventricles, after injection into the cerebrospinal fluid; and also for angiography (imaging of blood vessels), urography (imaging of the urinary tract) and hysterosalpingography (imaging of uterus and Fallopian tubes).[2][3] It can also be used to image joint spaces and in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Iotrolan is an iodine-containing radiocontrast agent. This means it was previously used as a substance to improve the visibility of internal body structures during X-ray imaging techniques.
Here's a summary of what we know about Iotrolan:
- Type of drug: Radiopaque contrast agent
- Uses:
- Imaging spaces surrounding the central nervous system (e.g., ventricles after injection into the cerebrospinal fluid) [1]
- Angiography (blood vessel imaging) [1]
- Urography (urinary tract imaging) [1]
- Hysterosalpingography (uterus and fallopian tube imaging) [1]
- Joint space imaging [1]
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP - a procedure to examine the bile ducts and pancreatic duct) [1]
- Current status: As of 2021, it is unknown whether Iotrolan is still marketed anywhere in the world [1]. There's a possibility it might be an obsolete medication replaced by newer contrast agents.
Here are some reasons why a contrast agent might become obsolete:
- Development of safer or more effective contrast agents: Newer contrast agents may have fewer side effects or offer better image quality.
- Advancements in imaging technology: Improvements in X-ray technology or the emergence of alternative imaging techniques (like MRI scans) might reduce the need for certain contrast agents.