Indirect portography enhanced by nicardipine versus prostaglandin E1.

PURPOSE

To compare nicardipine (NCR) and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) for portal venous contrast enhancement on indirect portography in a retrospective study.

METHODS

One milligram of NCR, a calcium antagonist, was injected into the superior mesenteric artery just prior to portography in 18 patients who had undergone otherwise identical portography using 20 micrograms PGE1 36-279 (mean 133) days before. All 18 patients had liver tumors and showed no changes in portal vein status in the interim.

RESULTS

Using conventional film/screen angiography, NCR provided equally good portograms as PGE1 with respect to image density and image contrast. Systemic effects on blood pressure and heart rate were minimal and no other side effects were observed with NCR.

CONCLUSION

NCR is an inexpensive drug and is expected to provide well-contrasted, indirect portograms on conventional film/screen angiography.