The use of prostaglandin E1 to enhance the angiographic visualization of the splanchnic circulation.

Superior mesenteric angiograms were obtained in a series of dogs before and again after the injection of a 1-ml bolus of prostaglandin E1 (0.1-1.0 mug/kg) through the angiographic catheter. The prostaglandin E1 produced, on the average, a 100% increase in the superior mesenteric arterial blood flow with only minimal changes in the heart rate, systemic arterial pressure, and portal venous pressure. Opacification of the portal venous system was consistently enhanced after the prostaglandin E1. The arterial phase was preserved by increasing the rate of contrast administration.