Intravenous contrast media: Use and associated mortality

Abstract

Objective: To determine the extent of use and mortality associated with peripheral intravenous injections of radiocontrast media. Design: A retrospective study of injection data was made for the three and a half year period from January 1987 to June 1990 using the Health Insurance Commission database and the records of public hospital x-ray departments. Information about deaths associated with the injections was obtained from a survey of all radiologists and from other relevant sources. Setting and participants: The study related to the entire population of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, approximately 6 million people. Interventions: Intravenous injections of radiograp..