[Acute kidney failure from the nephrotoxic action of x-ray contrast media]

Causes and mechanisms involved in the onset of severe forms of acute renal insufficiency induced by highly osmotic ionic x-ray contrast media have been analyzed for 9 patients suffering from renal and other diseases. Risk factors and factors of principal importance in promotion of nephrotoxicity of contrast media are the following: preexisting renal dysfunction, cardiovascular insufficiency, hypovolemia, calcium and sodium dysbolism. Approaches to prevention of contrast media nephrotoxicity with employment of forced diuresis, vasodilators, calcium channels blockers are under consideration.