[Contrast media and renal function in multiple myeloma (author's transl)].

An acute deterioration of the renal function after injection of (diiodized) renal contrast media in patients with multiple myeloma was pointed out for the first time by Bartels et al. (1954). Since then only a few similar cases have been reported. Therefore in a retrospective study the records of 89 patients with multiple myeloma from 1959 to 1974 were evaluated. For 31 of these patients a total of 41 i.v. pyelographs was made. Corresponding to a previous study by Vix in none of our patients who underwent pyelography a reduction of renal function was observed in direct association with the administration of contrast media. We are in agreement with other authors that a recognized myeloma is not from the first a contra-indication for the application of contrast material containing iodine so as a dehydration of the patients can be carefully avoided.