[Gadolinium in arteriography and interventional radiology: 39 patients]

To report the experience of using various Gadolinium chelates as contrast media in digital subtraction angiography in patients with relative or absolute contraindications for iodinated contrast agents.

and Methods. Forty-two arteriograms were performed in 39 consecutive patients using Gadolinium chelates (gadoteridol, gadodiamide, and gadopentetate dimeglumine). The vasculature of the brain, of the upper and lower limbs and the renal arteries were examined. Among these 39 patients, 17 were treated by various endovascular procedures.

In 40 examinations out of 42, the angiographic result was satisfactory, allowing either a diagnostic evaluation or an endovascular therapeutic procedure. Clinical tolerance was excellent. In one case of renal failure that was reported after angiography, the patient had received both iodine and gadolinum-based contrast agents.

Gadolinium appears to be an interesting alternative for arteriography in patients with absolute or relative contraindication to iodinated contrast agents, and also seems to demonstrate efficacy during endovascular therapeutic procedures.