[Effect of nicardipine at different dose levels on arterial portography]

Portography via the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) with preinjection of nicardipine (NCR) into the SMA as a vasodilator at doses of 1.0 mg, 1/4 mg, 1/16 mg or 1/64 mg was compared with control portography without NCR in 30 patients. Mesenteric blood flow and portal enhancement correlated with dose levels of NCR. At least 1/4 mg of NCR was needed in arterial portography adequately to shorten the time between portal visualization and the injection of contrast medium, and to obtain well-contrasted portography without reflux of contrast medium into the aorta.