Vascular system spasm

Common mild local adverse reactions include induration and swelling at the injection site. More severe reactions (generalized urticaria, broncho-spasm, laryngospasm, vascular collapse, and death from anaphylaxis) occur rarely. Severe reactions are treated with epinephrine, antihistamines, and systemic corticosteroids. 

PAF is also a lipid mediator of anaphylactic responses. PAF produced by anti-IgE challenge of IgE-sensitized basophils results in degranulation and histamine release. PAF can induce rapid and shallow breathing, transient apnea, and edema in the respiratory system. In the cardiovascular system, PAF directly induces bradycardia, hypotension, elevated right ventricular pressure, vascular spasms, and increased vascular permeability. 

The calcium channel blocking drugs may prove to be very useful in the treatment of patients following acute stroke. In particular, nimodipine has been found to have selective actions on cerebral vascular smooth muscle without affecting systemic arterial pressure [16]. After intravenous administration, nimodipine increases hemispheric cerebral blood flow in patients with acute ischaemic stroke [235]. A placebo-controlled double-blind trial has shown that nimodipine significantly decreases the occurrence of severe neurologic deficits from spasm alone in patients who have had subarachnoid haemorrhage [236],... 

Nifedipine is a calcium-channel-blocking agent that inhibits movement of calcium ions across cell membrane in systemic and coronary vascular smooth muscle and myocardium. It decreases peripheral vascular resistance reduces myocardial oxygen demand and relaxes and prevents coronary artery spasm. It is indicated in chronic stable angina (except Adalat CC, Afeditab CR, Nifediac CC) vasospastic angina (except Adalat CC, Afeditab CR, Nifediac CC) hypertension (except Procardia) (see also the description of Nicardipine). 

The celiac trunk and hepatic artery are usually catheterized by 4-F or 5-F catheters (cobra or sidewinder configuration), while the tumor-bearing target vessels should be approached by 2.7- to 3-F coaxial micro-catheters. The advantages of a microcatheter system are the increased injection resistance, which reduces the risk of microsphere reflux, and the smaller likelihood of vascular spasms. 

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