Antiplatelet action of intravascular contrast media. Implications in diagnostic procedures

The antiplatelet action of intravascular contrast media (CM) Renografin-76 (diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium) was studied in vitro and in 21 patients undergoing radiodiagnostic procedures. In vitro studies suggested that in Renografin-76, meglumine was the chief constituent responsible for its antiplatelet action. In post-CM plasma from patients, clotting times were prolonged and platelet aggregation greatly impaired, albeit normal aggregation restored within 3 hours. Although changes in global clotting times and platelet aggregation were mostly transient, it is possible that CM usage in patients with thrombocytopenia, sickle cell phenomenon, and on anticoagulant-antiplatelet drugs may present a serious risk to their hemostatic integrity.