Gadodiamide as an alternative contrast agent in intravenous digital subtraction angiography and interventional procedures of the upper extremity veins.
OBJECTIVE
Patients with renal insufficiency or other contraindications to iodine-based contrast agents present a significant management dilemma when angiography or interventional procedures are required. We describe the use of gadolinium as an alternative contrast agent for intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IV-DSA) and interventional procedures of the upper extremity veins.


METHODS
Sixteen patients with symptoms of with moderate renal insufficiency underwent digital subtraction angiography for upper extremity and subclavian venography. Angiographic studies were obtained using gadolinium as a contrast agent. In six patients we used stents.


RESULTS
Diagnostic images were obtained in all cases. No patient suffered a complication related to the use of gadolinium, and no patient demonstrated worsened renal function after the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
In the setting of a contraindication to iodine-based contrast agents, gadolinium represents an important alternative contrast material that allows for the visualization of and interventional procedures in the upper extremity veins.
Sancak
Tanzer
T
Radiology Department, Section of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Ankara University Medical Faculty, Ibn-l Sina Hospital, Hasrclar Street, Shhye, 06100 Ankara, Turkey. sancaki@yahoo.com
Bilgic
Sadk
S
Sanldilek
Umman
U
D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015642:Radiology, Interventional; D051437:Renal Insufficiency; D014680:Veins
D003287:Contrast Media; C064925:gadodiamide; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA