Vasodilatative and vasoconstrictive effects of angiography contrast media

During angiography contrast media (CM) induces changes in vessel tone. The pathophysiological reasons for this are poorly understood. In this short review the anatomical structures and physiological factors involved in vessel tone are described, and previous and recent findings in vitro and in vivo concerning the effect of CM on vessel tone are discussed. Although multifactorial, the main effect seems to result from a direct action of the CM on the vessel wall. For a particular CM formulation, the effect is due to a combination of its osmolality, molecular properties as well as electrolyte content. In vitro experiments performed in iso-osmolar solutions of pure CM suggest the CM interfere with the cellular mechanisms controlling intracellular calcium. When injected intravascularly, CM may cause either vasodilatation and vasoconstriction. Vasodilatation is the most frequent effect when CM is injected into a vessel while vasoconstriction is relatively uncommon. Both vasodilatation and vasoconstriction can be caused by all types of CM.