Radiology, Vol 154, 733-735, Copyright © 1985 by Radiological Society of North America
Hemodynamic effects of rapid and slow infusions of manganese chloride and gadolinium-DTPA in dogs
RA Slutsky, T Peterson, G Strich and JJ Brown
The acute hemodynamic effects of two paramagnetic contrast materials,
manganese chloride and gadolinium-DTPA, were examined in dogs using
ultrasonic dimension gauge crystals. Slow infusions (more than 15 minutes)
of MnCl2 (0.1 mm/kg) or Gd-DTPA (0.1 mm/kg) via an infusion pump had no
significant hemodynamic effects. When given in just over 1 minute, Gd-DTPA
produced elevated left ventricular (LV) end diastolic pressure and minor
dilation of the ventricle and slowed diastolic filling. MnCl2, given
rapidly, reduced systemic vascular resistance, resulting in hypotension. It
also reduced LV volume and had less marked diastolic effects (probably
secondary to the amount of hypotension created). With both agents, these
side effects waned after 5-10 minutes. It is concluded that both Gd-DTPA
and MnCl2 can be given safely in 0.1-mm/kg doses when administered as a
slow, continuous infusion. The acute hemodynamic effects of Gd-DTPA are
consistent although minor. While the acute effects of Gd-DTPA are small,
neither agent is sufficiently innocuous to be given as a rapid injection in
clinically unstable patients. Slow, intravenous infusion of Gd-DTPA or
MnCl2 is likely to be tolerated well by even severely ill individuals.
