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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Angiogenesis in the Ischemic Rat Lung
Published on: February 8, 2013
Safety of pulmonary angiography in the 1990s
D A Zuckerman1, K M Sterling, R F Oser
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Purpose:
To examine the safety of pulmonary angiography with low-osmolar contrast material and modern angiographic techniques and to analyze periprocedural complications with respect to potential predictors.
Patients And Methods:
A retrospective review was conducted of data from 547 consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary angiography. Minor and major complications were analyzed by using several clinical parameters.
Results:
There were five major (0.9%) and 26 minor complications (4.8%). Eleven of the 26 minor complications were contrast-induced nephrotoxicity. There were no periprocedural deaths. Patients with complications had an increased incidence of coexistent pulmonary morbidities and were of a poorer physical status according to the American Society of Anesthesiology criteria. Moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension was correlated with major complications. Age, volume of contrast material used, and presence of pulmonary embolism were not correlated with complications.
Conclusion:
Pulmonary angiography is a safe procedure with an acceptable complication rate. These findings should be considered in the selection of an imaging method for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.
Insights
Pulmonary angiography using low-osmolar contrast is safe, with a low complication rate. Patient comorbidities and pulmonary hypertension are key factors influencing complication risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Interventional Radiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary angiography is a diagnostic tool for pulmonary embolism.
- Assessing the safety of modern pulmonary angiography techniques is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of pulmonary angiography with low-osmolar contrast material.
- To identify predictors of periprocedural complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 547 patients undergoing pulmonary angiography.
- Analysis of minor and major complications using clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- Overall complication rate was 5.7% (26 minor, 5 major).
- Contrast-induced nephrotoxicity accounted for 11 minor complications.
- Pulmonary hypertension correlated with major complications; age and contrast volume did not.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary angiography demonstrates a favorable safety profile.
- Complication rates are acceptable, supporting its use in diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
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