Co2 Angiography Complications

Angiography is a medical procedure used to obtain detailed images of blood vessels in the body in order to detect any narrowing or abnormal dilatation. The concept underlying angiography is that an X-ray taken after the injection of a visible substance, called a contrast medium, into a blood vessel will allow visualization of its interior. Traditionally, iodinated material was used as a contrast. The injection of carbon dioxide, or CO2, gas into the vessels is another available alternative. Carbon dioxide angiography may be associated with some complications.

Air Contamination

According to an article published in the April 2006 issue of the "Journal of Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology," carbon dioxide gas can be used as a contrast medium because it is highly soluble in the blood. CO2 does not get a chance to travel in the blood circulation because of its rapid absorption and consequent excretion through the lungs. The danger, as pointed out by the article, is the contamination of the syringe by ambient air while filling it with CO2. A large dose of injected air can block the blood supply to vital organs and cause a condition known as air embolism. Air embolism is potentially fatal. This risk was mainly associated with older hand-held syringe models used for injection. The development of automated carbon dioxide injectors has reduced this risk.

Neurotoxicity

The Midwest Institute for Interventional Therapy points out the potential toxicity of carbon dioxide to the brain. Because of this neurotoxicity, carbon dioxide is not a suitable agent for angiography of the cerebral region, which includes the brain and blood vessels to and within the brain.

Abdominal Symptoms

A study published in the January 2000 edition of the "British Journal of Radiology" mentions that the injection of carbon dioxide into the aorta may be complicated with the development of abdominal discomfort, pain and nausea. While the mechanism of development of these symptoms is not entirely clear, they might be severe enough to warrant relinquishing the procedure.