[Angiography during interventional procedures with carbon dioxide (CO2) (carbo-angiography) in patients with...

Within the last 18 months we examined 130 patients with known complications or contraindications using iodinated contrast media for angiography by using carbon dioxide as contrast agent in digital subtraction angiography technique. These were diagnostic pelvis-leg angiographies (n = 106) with simultaneous consecutive interventional radiologic therapy in 68 cases. In 19 dialysis access fistulas 11 angioplasties were performed in the same session. In 5 cases of renal allografts no interventional radiologic therapy was necessary. For CO2 application an electronic controlled special injector was used. Carbon dioxide has a number of advantages: no adverse reactions, nonallergenic and can be used several times without increasing risks and is cost-saving. CO2 angiography is a sensitive method, for detection vessel wall processes below the diaphragm. It can replace conventional angiography.