Contrast media with and without calcium for cardioangiography in children.

The possible beneficial effects of added calcium ions to contrast media to diminish myocardial toxicity was evaluated in 93 cardiac catheterizations with cardioangiography, performed in 50 children and adolescents. Two contrast media with equal iodine content (370 mg/ml) and similar physical properties were used: Isopawue-370, containing 0.34 mg calcium/ml, and Renografin-76, not containing calcium. It is concluded that addition of calcium to contrast media for cardioangiography in children and adolescents does not alter their myocardial, fluid or electrolyte effects when injected selectively into the cardiac chambers or great vessels.