[Carbon dioxide--contrast medium for digital subtraction angiography]

Fundamental considerations: Despite appreciable improvements in conventional iodine-containing contrast media, vascular studies involving patients with renal insufficiency, hyperthyroidism or known allergic reaction to conventional contrast media continue to pose a problem. Own study: Testing the investigation of the possibility of visualizing vessels using carbon dioxide as a gaseous contrast medium. In 30 patients, angiography of the pelvis and legs (DSA) employing conventional iodine-containing media and/or CO2 were carried out simultaneously. RESULTS, handling and toleration were compared. In two further patients, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent implantation, respectively, were successfully performed under CO2 control.

All the findings obtained with "normal" DSA were also obtainable with CO2. The CO2 examination, however, was often plagued by incomplete contrasting of the blood vessels, with interruption of the contrast medium column, which made assessment more difficult. In two of the 30 patients undergoing angiography of the pelvis and legs, the investigation had to be abandoned on account of persistent intensive lower abdominal pain under CO2 injection.