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There is the possibility of significant risk. A reaction to the contrast medium can occur. There is some risk of the catheter damaging the artery or knocking loose a piece of the artery wall which can cause tissue ischemia (reduced blood flow) or infarction (blockage of flow with eventual tissue death). This is rare, however.
If attempts are made to occlude actively bleeding arteries, there is a risk of embolizing other unintended vessels, possibly causing organ failure and death. A clot or bleeding at the puncture site may result in a partial blockage of the flow of blood to the leg.
There is low radiation exposure with a mesenteric arteriogram. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk of x-rays is smaller than other risks taken every day. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays.
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