Contemporary use of and outcomes associated with ultra‐low contrast volume in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions

Background The risk of contrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) increases in a nonlinear fashion with increasing volume of contrast media. Prior studies recommend limiting contrast volume to less than three times the estimated creatinine clearance (CC). Recently, a number of operators have reported successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using even lower volumes of contrast. Objectives To evaluate the prevalence and outcomes associated with ultra‐low contrast volume among patients undergoing PCI. Methods We assessed the prevalence and outcomes associated with use of ultra‐low contrast volume among 75 393 patients undergoing PCI in Michigan between July 2014 and June 2017 in the BMC2 (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium) registry. Ultra‐low contrast volume was defined as contrast volume less than or equal to the patient's estimated CC. Patients receiving dialysis at the time of the procedure were excluded. Results Ultra‐low contrast volume was used in 13% of procedures with the majority of these patients being at low risk of renal complications. Compared with patients who received a contrast volume between one and three times the CC, use of ultra‐low volume of contrast was associated with a significantly lower incidence of AKI (aOR 0.682, 95% CI 0.566–0.821, P