Gadolinium-based contrast: an alternative contrast agent for endovascular interventions.

The radiocontrast substance gadoterate meglumine (Gd-DOTA) is used in magnetic resonance imaging. Because of its low rate of adverse drug reactions, we evaluated Gd-DOTA as an alternative contrast medium in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Twenty-three consecutive procedures were performed using undiluted contrast agent Gd-DOTA (376.9 mg/mL, Dotarem) in digital subtraction techniques. A dosage of 30-90 mL was used. Serum creatinine levels were registered before and at 24 and 48 hr after the procedure. Based on this limited experience, Gd-DOTA may be used as an alternative contrast agent in selected endovascular procedures, when iodine is contraindicated.