Induction of ventricular arrhythmia by high and low osmolarity ionic and nonionic contrast media

Abstract Studies that used prolonged contrast media infusion in canine arteries have generated controversy regarding the arrhythmogenic potential of low osmolarity, nonionic contrast agents. In order to establish the relative safety of these agents in the more typical setting of bolus injections, 4 ml intracoronary bolus injections of Hypaque-76 (n = 54), lohexol-350 (n = 51), and lohexol-140 (n = 51) were given in random order to 10 anesthetized, open-chest dogs undergoing programmed cardiac stimulation. Hemodynamics and electrocardiogram were monitored during stimulation, both during and for 2 minutes after the end of contrast infusion. Occurrence of tachycardia did not differ statistically among agents. Sustained ventricular tachycardia (five episodes) and ventricular fibrillation (seven episodes) occurred only after Hypaque-76 injections ( p