Changes in tissue oxygen tension caused by contrast media injected into the femoral artery of the dog.

Abstract

To document changes in tissue oxygen tension as measured directly in an area perfused with contrast medium. Changes in tissue oxygen tension in response to the injection of ionic and non-ionic contrast media into the femoral arteries were measured in the femoral adductor (proximal) and gastrocnemius (distal) muscles of 8 dogs. Amidotrizoic-acid and iopamidol were injected in two different iodine concentrations (370 mg I/ml and 185 mg I/ml respectively) and tissue oxygen tension in the proximal and distal muscles was monitored continuously using polarographic needle electrodes. A transient decrease and subsequent increase of muscle tissue oxygen tension were observed after the injection. The extent of these changes depended on the concentration and osmolality of the medium. To minimize changes in peripheral tissue oxygen tension, contrast media with low osmolality and low concentration are recommended for femoral angiography.