Acute cardiotoxicity of gadolinium-based contrast media: Findings in the isolated rat heart

Rationale and Objectives. The study was designed to compare acute and direct cardiotoxicity of gadopentetate dimeglumine, gadoteridol injection, and gadodiamide injection. Methods. Two consecutive injections of contrast material (0.3 and 1.5 mmol/kg body weight) were given to spontaneously beating, isolated rat hearts. Cardiac function was assessed by measuring left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), perfusion pressure, and electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters. Results. Gadopentetate dimeglumine decreased LVDP, and its first derivatives (+/-dP/dt(max)) substantially more than gadodiamide injection. Gadoteridol increased these variables. PR and RT intervals lengthened after 1.5 mmol/kg gadopentetate dimeglumine and gadoteridol injection. Bradycardia and ventricular tachyarrhythmias were seen after injection of 1.5 mmol/kg gadopentetate dimeglumine. Except for isolated ventricular premature beats, gadodiamide injection and gadoteridol injection did not provoke any serious arrhythmia. Conclusion. Gadopentetate dimeglumine induced negative inotropy and more pronounced ECG disturbances. Gadoteridol injection and gadodiamide injection induced only small changes in left ventricular inotropy and minor electrophysiologic effects.