Relationship between maximum injection pressure and extravasation rate of contrast media in computed tomography.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to use multivariate analysis to clarify the relationships between the extravasation rates of contrast media and maximum injection pressure in adults.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We recruited 2688 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The intravenous lines were placed in the median cubital vein by the nurse or physician in charge of the examination. We obtained the following information: age, sex, body mass index, indwelling needle diameter, injection speed, contrast media concentration, fractional dose, maximum injection pressure, presence or absence of extravasation, and in/out-patient status.

RESULTS

The odds ratios of in/out-patients and maximum injection pressures were 2.62 (P < 0.05) and 1.64 (P < 0.001), respectively. Using a cut-off value of 9.5 kg/cm2, the area under the curve of the maximum injection pressure was 0.68.

CONCLUSION

We recommend that a threshold of 9.5 kg/cm2 be set for the maximum injection pressure when placing an intravenous line in the median cubital vein to efficiently reduce extravasation of the contrast media.