Pulmonary oedema after radiological investigation of peripheral occlusive vascular disease. Adverse reaction to contrast media.

5 patients developed pulmonary oedema after retrograde femoral arteriography under general anesthesia. Because of the haemodynamic changes associated with radiographic contrast media, a good preoperative cardiological assessment is essential. The volume and nature of the contrast media injected and any other fluid administered should be carefully monitored. There is no apparent safe maximum dose of radiographic contrast media, but this work suggests that for 'Conray 420' (sodium iothalamate 70% w/v) a total dose should be less than 200 ml in a fit patient. The dose should be substantially smaller in patients with a history of evidence of myocardial infarction, myocardial insufficiency, myocardial ischaemia, or hypertension.