Effects of transaortic catheter injection of renografin, urokon, hypaque and miokon into the superior mesenteric arteries of dogs

Renografin 60 and 76%, Miokon 50 %, Hypaque 50 % and Urokon 50 and 70 % in amounts up to 7 cc per kg in the case of Renografin were injected into the superior mesenteric artery of 30 dogs using a technique similar to that described by sdman7 on patients. In 9 dogs, a loop of small intestine was laid out on the abdominal wall for observation during the passage of the contrast substance. During the injection of the contrast substance, the serosa of the exposed intestine blanched and showed increased peristaltic activity and at times prolonged spasm. This was followed by a purplish color of the serosa which indicated engorgement which persisted for at least 30 min. Three of 5 dogs receiving Urokon 70 % up to 4 cc per kg showed extensive infarction of the mucosa of the intestine, and 1 of these dogs had an additional hemorrhagic pancreatitis. One of 18 dogs receiving Renografin 76 % showed localized infarction of the intestine in an area in which the vascular supply had been previously compromised (ligation of several small mesenteric vessels). Seventeen dogs received doses of 2 to 7 cc per kg of Renografin without evidence of damage to the intestinal tract or abdominal viscera. The possible mechanisms associated with the production of visible changes and microscopic changes in the intestine following the injection of contrast substances are discussed.