BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
We previously described the association of pancreatitis with the use of iodixanol radiocontrast in two patients on hemodialysis. This study was designed to determine whether there might be a causal link.
DESIGN
30 consecutive hemodialysis patients without predisposition for pancreatitis who were undergoing de-clotting and angioplasty of their arteriovenous access were randomly assigned to either iodixanol or iohexol radiocontrast.
RESULTS
The demographics and volume of contrast used were similar between the groups. 2 of the 15 patients who received iodixanol developed elevations in serum amylase and lipase as well as signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. No patient who received iohexol developed pancreatitis.
CONCLUSION
The use of iodixanol appears to be associated with pancreatitis in a small population of hemodialysis patients. Although the pathogenesis of iodixanol-induced pancreatitis is unclear, we speculate that it is possibly related to the hyperviscosity of this agent, which may decrease pancreatic blood flow. Larger studies are needed to verify these findings.