Safety and Cost Effectiveness of High-Osmolality as Compared with Low-Osmolality Contrast Material in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Angiography

Abstract

The use of contrast agents with low rather than high osmolality during cardiac angiography reduces the risk of moderate, but not of severe, adverse reactions to the agent used. A strategy of reserving low-osmolality contrast agents for use in patients at high risk for adverse reactions would be more cost effective than one requiring their use in all patients.