Lower extremity venography with iohexol: results and complications.
The frequency of side effects of a nonionic contrast agent (iohexol) was studied in 463 consecutive patients who underwent venography for clinically suspected deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and compared with the frequency of adverse reactions of another series in which patients received either the same contrast material or a high-osmolar ionic compound. Minor side effects, including local pain and discomfort, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, skin reactions, superficial phlebitis, and edema, occurred in 83 patients (17.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 15%-22%). The only serious adverse reaction (bronchospasm) was seen in two patients (0.4%; 95% CI, 0.1%-1.4%). Postvenographic thrombosis confirmed by means of repeat venography occurred in one of 41 consecutive patients with a previous normal venogram (incidence, 2%; 95% CI, 0%-13%). The frequency of side effects appears to be significantly less than when conventional high-osmolar contrast agents are used. Use of iohexol for venography is associated with minor side effects in approximately one-fifth of patients, and serious adverse reactions necessitating therapy are rare.
Lensing
A W
AW
Center for Thrombosis, Hemostasis and Atherosclerosis Research, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Zuidoost, The Netherlands.
Prandoni
P
P
Büller
H R
HR
Casara
D
D
Cogo
A
A
ten Cate
J W
JW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005340:Fibrinogen; D006801:Humans; D007472:Iohexol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010690:Phlebography; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology
D007472:Iohexol; D005340:Fibrinogen