Gd-DTPA as an alternative contrast agent in conventional and interventional radiology.
OBJECTIVE
Patients with contra-indications to iodine-based contrast media present problems in radiological examination. In this study, we evaluated Gd-DTPA as an alternative contrast agent in conventional and interventional radiology.


METHODS
The undiluted contrast agent Gd-DTPA meglumine (469 mg/ml, Magnevist) was used in 10 examinations in 8 patients. A dosage of 20-45 ml was used in 5 conventional studies: endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, cystography, urethrocystography, and 2 retrograde pyelographies. A dosage of 10-120 ml was used in 5 interventions: 1 percutaneous nephrostomy, and 4 biliary tract drainages.


RESULTS
The image quality was adequate in all studies. No adverse pharmacological reactions occurred; however, there was renal extravasation of Gd-DTPA which did cause temporary pain in 1 patient at bilateral retrograde pyelography.


CONCLUSIONS
Gd-DTPA may be used as an alternative contrast medium in selected conventional and interventional roentgenological studies when iodine is contra-indicated.
Vehmas
T
T
Department of Radiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Markkola
A T
AT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000075202:Contraindications; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D017613:Iodine Compounds; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography / Q000379:methods*; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D017613:Iodine Compounds; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA