There is a chance of a reaction to the contrast medium.
There is low radiation exposure; however, most experts feel that the risk of most x-rays is smaller than other risks we take every day. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.
There is a chance of renal (kidney) failure, especially in the elderly or in diabetic patients taking a medication called Glucophage or metformin.
There is a risk of worsening any clotting that has already occurred in the veins of the leg.
Review Date: 11/3/2004
Reviewed By: Jeffrey J. Brown, MD FACR, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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