The Impact of Coronary Artery Disease on the Coronary Vasomotor Response to Nonionic Contrast Media

Abstract

Nonionic contrast media induce a vasodilatory response in normal vessels not by a mechanism involving increased flow or endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, but rather by depending on preserved vascular cyclooxygenase activity. CAD changes normal epicardial vasodilatory response into vasoconstriction.