Objective: To study the incidence rates, risk factors, prevention and treatments of complications of selective coronary arteriography.
Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted on the data of the incidence and annual distribution characteristics of complications among 9 196 cases that underwent selective coronary arteriography performed October 1987 to December 2000, and analyze the risk factors and prevention and treatment of these complications.
Results: The total complication rate was 1.33%. The procedure-related mortality rates were 0.02%. The incidence rate of non-fatal Q wave myocardial infarction, coronary artery spasm, severe arrhythmia, severe contrast allergic reaction, peripheral vascular complication, and heart failure in coronary arteriography was 0.01%, 0.13%, 0.29%, 0.04%, 0.35%, and 0.08%, respectively. No emergent coronary artery bypass surgery was required in patients with coronary arteriography. The independent risk factors of the complications of coronary arteriography included unstable angina, coronary multivessel disease, left main coronary artery disease and heart failure.
Conclusion: The complication rate of coronary arteriography decrease with the accumulation of experience. The complication rate in this group is lower than in other reports probably due to strictly selecting of indication and active prevention and treatment of complications.