Arteriography in chronic renal failure: a case for carbon dioxide

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the utilisation of carbon diox ide arteriography, performed with a simple injection system, as the imaging technique of choice in patients with chronic renal failure. Methods: Patie nts with chronic renal impairment who required arterial imaging or interven tion were recruited for carbon dioxide angiography. Demographic data were p rospectively recorded and pre- and post-arteriogram renal function was quan tified. Radiographic images were graded by an independent radiologist. Resu lts: Twenty-eight patients underwent renal or aorto-femoral studies with on ly one failure. There were no cases of contrast-induced nephropathy. Twenty -two of the films (79%) were graded as excellent or good, four as acceptabl e and two were considered to be poor (non-diagnostic). Conclusions: This st udy has demonstrated that carbon dioxide angiography is a safe and clinical ly effective procedure in patients with chronic renal failure. (C) 1999 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.