Gadolinium as an alternative contrast agent for diagnostic procedure in patients with renal insufficiency

ABSTRACT

Gadolinium was used as a radiographic contrast agent in 17 diagnostic procedures in 17 patients with renal insufficiency [average serum creatinine of 3.72 +/- 1.8 mg/dl]. The dose of gadolinium ranged from 0.22 to 0.44 mmol/kg body weight. Seventeen diagnostic procedures, eight angiographic procedures [selective renal angiography in four patients, lower extremities angiography in two patients and coronary angiography in two patients], five venographic procedures [upper extremities in four patients and inferior venacavography for one patient] and four computed tomography scans [CT scan] were performed. It was concluded that gadopentate dimeglumine is a safe alternative radiographic contrast agent for diagnostic contrast procedures in patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency