Pulmonary angiography performed with iopamidol: complications in 1,434 patients.

Abstract

To evaluate the safety of pulmonary angiography performed with iopamidol compared with pulmonary angiography performed with ionic contrast media. The data in 1,434 patients who underwent pulmonary angiography with iopamidol 76% were retrospectively reviewed. Complications that occurred within 48 hours were identified with review of hospital charts and/or computer records. Pulmonary arterial hypertension was present in 402 patients and was severe in 99. Pulmonary embolus was diagnosed in 357 patients (24.9%). Major complications occurred in four patients (0.3%). Respiratory insufficiency occurred in two of these patients. Catheterization was not completed in two patients due to catheter-induced cardiac arrhythmia that was refractory to treatment. No procedure-related deaths occurred. During the periprocedural period, eight patients required intubation and 10 patients died; all patients previously were critically ill. Pulmonary angiography is a safe procedure, and the margin of safety is enhanced by the use of iopamidol.