Changes of Intracarotid and Systemic Blood Pressure During Cerebral Angiography

Abstract

Intracarotid blood pressure was monitored continuously during carotid angiography by small polyethylene tube advanced to the intracavernous carotid artery through 5F introducer sheath placed at the origin of the internal carotid artery. Contrast medium was injected through this introducer sheath. Systemic blood pressure was also measured continuously during the examination.
Injection of contrast media below the rate of 6-8 ml per second did not increase systolic pressure in the carotid artery. However, injection over this rate elevated the pressure up to 20mmHg during the injection. Ionic contrast media elevated the intracarotid pressure for 5-10 seconds after the injection. Non-ionic contrast media produced little change of blood pressure. For the prevention of increased blood pressure during cerebral angiography, it is recommended to inject at lower rate as possible, and to use non-ionic contrast medium. Continuous blood pressure monitoring is also useful, since reaction of blood pressure to any stimulus is very different between individuals.