A comparison of techniques for improved visualization of the arteries of the distal lower extremity.

Intraarterial prostaglandin E1, tolazoline, nitroglycerin, and tourniquet-induced reactive hyperemia were directly compared by paired analysis for their efficacy in improving visualization of distal lower extremity vessels during routine arteriography in 101 limbs (52 patients). Nitroglycerin and reactive hyperemia were equal in their effect and statistically superior to both tolazoline and prostaglandin E1. Tolazoline was superior to prostaglandin E1, which had little or no effect. Intraarterial nitroglycerin in a dose of 200 micrograms appears to be the method of choice for augmenting visualization of the distal arterial vascular system in lower-extremity arteriography.