[Delayed adverse reactions following the intravascular administration of a nonionic x-ray contrast medium]

Side effects experienced by patients up to 7 days after intravasal administration of nonionic contrast media were recorded with the help of questionnaires. These were completed by the patients themselves and compared with data recorded in patients examined without the use of contrast media. Of the 1000 questionnaires distributed, 499 were returned (271 in the contrast media group, 228 in the other group). A statistically significant difference between the two groups was found with regard to local pain at the injection site. The reactions correlated with the time of intervention. Another significant side effect was found in increased diuresis, which did not lessen during the 7 days of our survey. Increasing side effects were noted with higher contrast medium dosage and advancing age.