Hypotensive reaction after infusion of a perfluorochemical emulsion.

A hypotensive episode after rapid administration of a perfluorochemical emulsion, Fluosol-DA (20%), was associated with an immediate decrease in systemic vascular resistance but no significant change in pulmonary vascular resistance. Although the physiologic mechanism for this episode is unclear, the clinical implications are significant: the infusion rate of Fluosol-DA should not exceed 10 ml/min.