[Effect of x-ray contrast media on the blood coagulation and fibrinolysis systems].

The intravenous application of x-ray contrast media during arteriographies resulted in a small, statistically significant, however clinically and biologically not relevant prolongation of the thromboplastin time and of the thrombincoagulase time. Contrast media applied for the examination of the kidneys and of the gall bladder did not induce any comparable changes of coagulation parameters. In vitro addition of iodinated contrast media to citrated plasmas was inhibitory to the coagulation process. Further analysis demonstrated that contrast media did not influence coagulation by enzyme inhibition but by inhibition of fibrin polymerization. Euglobulin lysis time was not only shortened by diagnostic applications of contrast media but also by other diagnostic procedures (gastroscopies, rectoscopies, laparoscopies) which involved physical exercise and thereby activation of the fibrinolytic system. Finally it is discussed that thrombotic complications following angiographies might be induced by the punction and injury of the vessel with the liberation of thrombokinase and subendothelial collagen.