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Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Normothermic Ex Vivo Kidney Perfusion for the Preservation of Kidney Grafts prior to Transplantation
Published on: July 15, 2015
Does contrast medium administration in organ donors affect early kidney graft function?
1Deutsche Stiftung Organtransplantation, Northeast Region, Berlin, Germany.
Insights
Contrast medium used in donor angiography does not harm kidney grafts. This study found no negative impact on early kidney transplant function, easing concerns about donor organ safety.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Transplantation
Background:
- Increased donor age leads to higher rates of pre-existing organ damage.
- Coronary artery sclerosis is age-related and diagnosed via coronary angiography.
- Contrast media used in angiography pose a risk of renal damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if coronary angiography with contrast medium affects early kidney graft function.
- To assess the safety of using kidneys from donors who underwent angiography.
Main Methods:
- Compared 36 kidney transplant recipients receiving grafts from donors who had coronary angiography with 36 controls.
- Evaluated early postoperative renal function at 3 and 6 months post-transplantation.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in renal function was observed between the two groups.
- Contrast medium administration did not negatively influence early kidney graft function.
Conclusions:
- Concerns regarding contrast medium-induced harm to donor kidneys are unfounded.
- Coronary angiography is a safe diagnostic procedure for potential organ donors regarding kidney graft outcomes.
Abstract:
Since the upper age for organ donors has been raised, a higher incidence of preexistent organ damage and functional impairment is to be expected. Coronary artery sclerosis increases with age. It can only be diagnosed with certainty by coronary angiography. Since contrast medium administration may cause renal damage when risk factors are present, this study sought to establish whether angiography negatively influenced the early postoperative function of kidney grafts. We compared the clinical courses of 36 recipients of kidneys from donors in whom coronary angiography or levography had been performed with 36 recipients of kidneys from donors who had not been subjected to contrast medium. The results showed that the administration of contrast medium had no influence on renal function at 3 or 6 months after transplantation. In conclusion, fears that donor kidneys might be harmed by contrast medium appeared to therefore be unfounded.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management

