Factors contributing to blood-brain barrier disruption following intracarotid injection of nonionic iodinated contrast medium for cerebral angiography: experimental study in rabbits.

PURPOSE

This study was performed to investigate the role of injection methods and conditions under a fixed dose of radiographic contrast medium (CM) in respect to promoting blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 44 white rabbits (average body weight 2.7 +/- 0.4 kg) were used, and their carotid injection was performed with nonionic CM. The variables assessed for the carotid injections included the following: iodine content (300 or 150 mg I/ml), liquid temperature (37 degrees or 24 degrees C), and the injection time duration (1 or 30 s). The rabbits were divided into five groups. To evaluate BBB disruption, pre- and post-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) studies were performed.

RESULTS

Abnormal enhancement of the brain parenchyma in MRI was noted in only one group, which consisted of high-iodine concentration CM injected at a low temperature over a short injection interval. Statistically significant increased values for the percentage of relative enhancement (RE%) were demonstrated (P < 0.05) in comparison with the saline-injected control group.

CONCLUSION

This result suggests variables that may need to be carefully considered to prevent BBB injury induced by nonionic CM for cerebral angiography, especially in the setting of a neurointerventional procedure.