Prostaglandin E1 in hand angiography.

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is a rapid, potent vasodilator which, when infused into the arterial system in low doses by bolus injection, has no significant systemic effects and has a relatively long duration of action. Sixty-three hand angiograms were done on 55 patients, comparing PGE1 to tolazoline and to angiograms done with no vasodilation. There was no significant difference between PGE1 and tolazoline in digital artery opacification; however, venous opacification was very significantly better with PGE1. PGE1 should be a drug of choice in hand angiography.