Complications of digital intravenous angiography: experience in 2488 cervicocranial examinations

All complications were recorded from the initial 2488 cases studied with digital intravenous angiography (DIVA) at New York University Medical Center. Mechanisms of producing these reactions were categorized into procedure-related, contrast-medium-related, or disease-related. The complications included extravasation of contrast material into the arm (11 patients) and mediastinum (two), acute pulmonary edema (four), hypotension (23), thrombophlebitis (two), and grand mal seizure (one). Recommendations are made that would allow DIVA to be performed more safely.