Subintimal injection of contrast medium as a complication of selective abdominal angiography.

The frequency, cause and sequelae of subintimal injection of contrast medium as a complication of selective abdominal angiography have been evaluated. The frequency increased considerably with the degree of superselectivity. The risk of total occlusion and clot formation in the renal artery after subintimal injection is high. Injury and total occlusion of the celiac and hepatic arteries have better chance for healing than of the renal arteries. A subintimal injection in the proximal part of the superior mesenteric artery may result in the development of an aneurysm.