Contrast media and clotting: what is the evidence?

The rapid development of percutaneous coronary and peripheral vascular interventional technologies and also noninvasive imaging systems has led to a dramatic increase in the number of patients receiving contrast media (CM). Although relatively uncommon, adverse events can occur following administration of contrast, including nuisance reactions (e.g., nausea and urticaria) and potentially severe complications, such as contrast-induced nephropathy and thrombotic events. In this report, we review the evidence regarding the occurrence of thrombotic effects following iodinated CM administration during percutaneous coronary intervention.