Use of nonionic or low osmolar contrast agents in cardiovascular procedures. American College of Cardiology Cardiovascular Imaging Committee.

Low osmolar contrast agents produce less adverse electrophysiologic and hemodynamic alterations during cardiac catheterization. The nonionic agents probably reduce the risk of provoking myocardial ischemia during coronary arteriography or ventriculography. Patients also report less subjective sensation of discomfort during administration of low osmolar agents for cardiovascular procedures. However, nonionic agents have not been proved to reduce the incidence of several serious complications of cardiac catheterization, including acute renal failure and anaphylactoid reaction. Although evidence is inconclusive, there may be an increased risk of thromboembolic complications during cardiac catheterization when certain low osmolar nonionic agents are administered. Nonionic contrast agents have not been definitely proved to reduce the risk of death after cardiac catheterization.