Related Experiment Videos

Effect of calcium-binding additives on ventricular fibrillation and repolarization changes during coronary

L S Zukerman1, T D Friehling, N M Wolf

  • 1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.

Insights

Renografin-76, used in coronary angiography, was linked to ventricular fibrillation due to its calcium-binding additives. A newer contrast agent, Angiovist-370, significantly reduced this risk, indicating improved safety in cardiac procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Radiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Ventricular fibrillation during coronary angiography has been associated with Renografin-76, a meglumine sodium diatrizoate contrast agent.
  • The calcium-binding additives, sodium citrate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), in Renografin-76 are suspected to cause repolarization changes, including QT interval prolongation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the incidence of ventricular fibrillation and QT interval changes between Renografin-76 and Angiovist-370 during coronary angiography.
  • To evaluate the safety profile of Angiovist-370, a newer contrast agent with a decreased calcium-binding effect due to calcium EDTA.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective randomized trial involving 816 patients undergoing coronary angiography.
  • Patients were assigned to receive either Renografin-76 or Angiovist-370.
  • Ventricular fibrillation incidence and QT intervals (corrected QT or QTc) were measured and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Ventricular fibrillation occurred in 10 of 410 patients receiving Renografin-76, but in 0 of 406 patients receiving Angiovist-370 (p < 0.0005).
  • The mean QTc interval was significantly prolonged 10 seconds after coronary artery injections in patients receiving Renografin-76 compared to Angiovist-370 (p < 0.00005).
  • QT interval prolongation differentiated patients receiving Renografin-76 from those receiving Angiovist-370.

Conclusions:

  • Angiovist-370 is associated with a significantly lower incidence of ventricular fibrillation compared to Renografin-76 during coronary angiography.
  • The reduced calcium-binding effect of Angiovist-370 may contribute to its improved safety profile by minimizing QT interval prolongation.

Related Concept Videos