Gadolinium:nonionic contrast media (1:1) coronary angiography in patients with impaired renal function.

This study was to test safety and efficacy of 1:1 mixture of gadolinium:nonionic contrast media in avoiding contrast nephropathy during coronary angiography in patients with renal dysfunction. Although "off label" for x-ray angiography, gadolinium has drawn attention for its potential to avoid contrast nephropathy during coronary angiography. Initial data seem promising. Patients with a baseline creatinine of 1.5 mg/dl or more were included. In order to minimize contrast nephropathy risk, all patients were thoroughly hydrated and treated by N-acetylcysteine. After coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention, renal function tests were remeasured on days 1, 2, and 3. A rise of 0.5 mg/dl or more in creatinine value in the following 3 days or the need for dialysis were considered as a contrast nephropathy event. Twenty-six patients were enrolled in this study. Ten were women and 16 were men. The mean age was 65.7 +/- 11. Baseline creatinine value was 2.47 +/- 0.74 mg/dl. The total amount of contrast medium used on 1:1 fashion was 57.1 +/- 27.2 ml. No procedure-related cardiac complication or contrast nephropathy event occurred in this study. Although there was a slight loss in image quality, we felt that the results were adequate for interpretation. Although "off label," using gadolinium contrast media in a 1:1 mixture with standard nonionic low osmolar contrast media seems to be a viable option in decreasing the likelihood of contrast nephropathy. Further evaluation appears to be warranted.