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Pulmonary angiography performed with iopamidol: complications in 1,434 patients
E R Hudson1, T P Smith, V G McDermott
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Purpose:
To evaluate the safety of pulmonary angiography performed with iopamidol compared with pulmonary angiography performed with ionic contrast media.
Materials And Methods:
The data in 1,434 patients who underwent pulmonary angiography with iopamidol 76% were retrospectively reviewed. Complications that occurred within 48 hours were identified with review of hospital charts and/or computer records.
Results:
Pulmonary arterial hypertension was present in 402 patients and was severe in 99. Pulmonary embolus was diagnosed in 357 patients (24.9%). Major complications occurred in four patients (0.3%). Respiratory insufficiency occurred in two of these patients. Catheterization was not completed in two patients due to catheter-induced cardiac arrhythmia that was refractory to treatment. No procedure-related deaths occurred. During the periprocedural period, eight patients required intubation and 10 patients died; all patients previously were critically ill.
Conclusion:
Pulmonary angiography is a safe procedure, and the margin of safety is enhanced by the use of iopamidol.