Reduction in ventricular fibrillation using calcium-enriched Renografin 76

Renografin 76 has been shown to have significant calcium-binding properties in vivo and in vitro. Two contrast media solutions were compared by selective injection into the right coronary artery of dogs. One set of injections was made with commercially available Renografin 76 (referred to as stock Renografin) and another set of injections was made with Renografin 76 to which had been added 24 mMols/liter of calcium chloride dihydrate. Ventricular fibrillation occurred significantly more often with the stock Renografin 76. The nature of the calcium binding and its effects are discussed.