GADOLINIUM-DTPA (MAGNEVIST) AS A CONTRAST -MEDIUM FOR ARTERIAL DSA

16 DSA investigations using intra-arterial Gd-DTPA were performed on 1 2 patients. The contrast medium was administered either as a 0.5 molar gadolinium solution (commercially available) or diluted with distille d water to a 0.2 - 0.4 molar gadolinium solution. The injection was ma de either by pressure injector or by hand. The aortic arch, abdominal aorta and pelvic and lower limb arteries were examined. 14 of the 16 p rocedures were diagnostically adequate, but compared with iodinated co ntrast materials, contrast was less marked. There were no cardiovascul ar, neurological or allergic side effects. Three patients suffered a f eeling of heat and one patient had mild pain during the injection. Eve n large volumes rapidly injected (up to 20 ml/s of the commercially av ailable solution) were well tolerated. DSA with intra-arterial Gd-DTPA seems to be a suitable alternative for vascular imaging if iodine-con taining contrast materials are contraindicated.