Cotton Fiber Embolization During Angiography

Abstract

Four cases of cotton-fiber embolization following selective arteriography are reported. One occurred after percutaneous carotid arteriography, and 3 followed selective renal arteriography; in these 3 cases gross infarctions were found in the kidneys. Animal experiments demonstrated a source of the cotton fibers to be the sterile saline solution used to irrigate catheters during angiography. This solution should be kept in a closed bottle and not in an open container where it may be easily contaminated by foreign material.