Pervenous hepatic transplant angiography using a new low osmolar contrast medium: an experimental study in dogs.

The patency of the vascular anastomoses in a canine liver transplantation model was imaged by serial pervenous angiography using ioxaglate, which is a new ionic low osmolar contrast medium. No premedication or general anesthesia was administered. No major adverse reaction was noted, not even after repeated angiography. Except for the occurrence of one hematoma formation and one paravenous injection, which resolved without leaving sequellae, no local complications occurred. Sufficient information regarding the patency of the hepatic artery anastomosis was obtained in 94% of the angiographic studies, while in 70% the patency of the caval anastomoses could be determined. In addition, portal vein patency was imaged in 21% of the angiograms. Even better visualization results can be expected when combining this method with video subtraction techniques, although patient cooperation or general anesthesia would then be mandatory.