[Translumbar intra-aortography. Hemodynamic consequences (author's transl)]

The hemodynamic consequences of the translumbar intra-aortic injection of 80 ml of contrast media were studied in 28 patients, in whom cardiac output was determined using thermodilution. These measurements revealed that the vasoplegia produced by the intra-aortic injection of contrast media is of smaller amplitude and longer duration than that evidenced during regional flow determinations. Moreover, the decrease in vascular peripheral resistances and the increase in cardiac output, accompanied by bradycardia, persist for several minutes. These phenomenons are related to an increase in ventricular filling, resulting from the expansion of the intravascular compartment secondary to plasma hyperosmolality.