Glass fragments and other particles contaminating contrast media

Microscopy of filtrates made from contrast media of routinely opened glass ampoules substantiates previous assumptions that small fragments of glass may enter into the ampoule and the medium with considerable frequency. Such glass fragments may cause embolic lesions on intraarterial injections of the medium; the lesions, however, are histologically non-specific consisting of proliferation of intima and small granulomas associated with dilated nephrons in a ray-like arrangement. A significant amount of plastic particles may be added to injectable fluids on usage of disposable syringes.