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Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens
06:02

Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens

Published on: April 18, 2013

Adverse effects of calcium binding contrast agents in diagnostic cardiac angiography. A comparison between

W H Matthai1, W C Groh, H L Waxman

  • 1Department of Medicine, UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden, USA.

Investigative Radiology
|November 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Formulations of diatrizoate that bind calcium were associated with more complications during cardiac angiography. Minimizing calcium binding in contrast media may reduce adverse effects on heart function and conduction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Radiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diagnostic cardiac angiography utilizes contrast media to visualize heart structures.
  • Different formulations of diatrizoate contrast media exist, with varying effects on calcium binding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the complications and hemodynamic/electrophysiologic effects of two diatrizoate formulations in cardiac angiography.
  • To assess the impact of calcium-binding additives in contrast media.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized trial involving 223 low-risk patients undergoing cardiac angiography.
  • Patients received either Hypaque 76 (minimal calcium binding) or MD 76 (significant calcium binding).
  • Electrocardiographic, hemodynamic parameters, and complications were recorded.

Main Results:

  • A higher incidence of complications occurred in the group receiving MD 76 (18 vs. 8).
  • Greater decreases in arterial pressure, increased QT interval, and reduced heart rate were observed in the MD 76 group.
  • These effects were noted after coronary angiography and left ventriculography.

Conclusions:

  • Contrast media formulations that minimize calcium binding are recommended for cardiac angiography.
  • Calcium binding by contrast media can adversely affect myocardial function and cardiac conduction.
  • Reducing calcium binding may lower the complication rate in high-osmolality contrast media use.
Abstract

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