Extravasation of nonionic radiologic contrast media: efficacy of conservative treatment.

The authors report four large-volume (greater than 20-mL) extravasations in adults and one intermediate-volume (18-mL) extravasation in an infant of iopamidol, a nonionic contrast medium, that occurred during dynamic enhanced computed tomography. The largest volume that extravasated (in two patients) was 150 mL. Although all five patients initially had swelling, erythema, and/or pain after extravasation, all recovered uneventfully. The authors suggest that emergent surgical drainage of all large-volume extravasations, a procedure that was recently recommended, is unnecessary. Large extravascular collections of nonionic contrast media can be well tolerated and are often resorbed without adverse sequelae.

Duke Scholars

Author Richard Adam Leder Radiology, Abdominal Imaging