A comparison of the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias produced by two intravenous contrast media in coronary artery disease.

Abstract

The incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with coronary artery disease receiving intravenous contrast medium has been studied and comparison made between a conventional ionic medium (meglumine iothalamate) and a low osmolar medium (sodium meglumine ioxaglate). Occasional ventricular and atrial ectopics were frequently observed both before and during administration of the contrast medium and were regarded as insignificant. Significant arrhythmias occurred in five cases. Three of these however, were in the presence of acute myocardial ischaemia or recent infarction. There was no significant difference in the incidence of arrhythmias between the two contrast media. These results show that, in the absence of acute myocardial ischaemia, the incidence of life threatening arrhythmias in patients with proven coronary artery disease receiving intravenous contrast media is much lower than previously suspected.

• Authors: C J Foster, J F Griffin
• Journal: Clinical radiology (Clin Radiol) Vol. 38 Issue 4 Pg. 399-401 (Jul 1987) ISSN: 0009-9260 [Print] England
• PMID: 3621821 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Iothalamate Meglumine
• Ioxaglic Acid

Topics

• Arrhythmias, Cardiac (chemically induced)
• Coronary Disease (diagnostic imaging)
• Humans
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Iothalamate Meglumine (adverse effects)
• Ioxaglic Acid (adverse effects)
• Radiography