[Etiology and possible prevention of hemostasis-related complications in angiographies with triiodinated contrast media].

The influence of the triiodinated angiographic contrast medium Visotrast 370 on haemostasis was studied in a total of 30 angiographic examinations with and without previous injection of 5,000 IU heparin. The contrast medium alone caused prolongation of bleeding time and inhibition of plasmatic coagulation. The effect of the contrast medium was enhanced by injection of heparin. The fibrinogen concentration remained unchanged in all cases. Aggregation of platelets enhanced by the contrast medium was found to be further increased by heparin. Enhanced platelet aggregation is considered an essential factor in the incidence of thromboembolic complications during engiographic examinations. Since heparin does not inhibit platalet function, the use of inhibitors of aggregation is discussed.