Imaging Contrast

Contrast agents are injected into patients to help enhance images to make it easier for radiologists distinguish specific areas of the body from surrounding tissues. The most commonly used agents are iodinated contrast dye for computed tomography (CT), interventional cath lab angiography, RF fluoroscopy, and in surgical OR procedures. MRI scans typically use gadolinium-based contrast agents. Ultrasound and echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) imaging use contrast agents composed of microscopic bubbles to enhance images that otherwise would be suboptimal.

Prominent organizations endorse new contrast-enhanced ultrasound curriculum and training
The endorsement follows recent program updates, implemented following an expansion to the Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
New iron-based imaging agent significantly improves brain tumor visualization
Ferumoxytol is used primarily in medications that treat anemia, but the FDA recently cleared it for deployment in brain imaging as well.
New data on GBCA safety indicate risk of renal complications 'exceedingly low'
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a serious, potentially fatal disease that progressively causes the skin and underlying tissues to harden.
Dual-energy CT systems allow for significant reduction in contrast dose
DECT systems allow for a contrast dose reduction of up to 25% during computed tomography pulmonary angiography exams.
Experts call for more judicious use of contrast, highlighting environmental concerns
New data highlight the significant burden contrast media use places on the environment, prompting experts to call for more stringent use of these agents.

Prominent organizations endorse new contrast-enhanced ultrasound curriculum and training

The endorsement follows recent program updates, implemented following an expansion to the Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.

New iron-based imaging agent significantly improves brain tumor visualization

Ferumoxytol is used primarily in medications that treat anemia, but the FDA recently cleared it for deployment in brain imaging as well.

New data on GBCA safety indicate risk of renal complications 'exceedingly low'

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a serious, potentially fatal disease that progressively causes the skin and underlying tissues to harden.

Dual-energy CT systems allow for significant reduction in contrast dose

DECT systems allow for a contrast dose reduction of up to 25% during computed tomography pulmonary angiography exams.

Experts call for more judicious use of contrast, highlighting environmental concerns

New data highlight the significant burden contrast media use places on the environment, prompting experts to call for more stringent use of these agents.

MRI patients willing to commute farther for clinics that use low-dose GBCAs

Data suggest most patients in need of contrast-enhanced MR imaging would prefer lower dose alternatives. Some are willing to go well out of their way to achieve that.

New data highlight 'systemic inconsistencies' in documentation of contrast reactions

Although uncommon and typically not life-threatening, hypersensitivity reactions have increased in recent decades alongside the significant rise in CT use.

'Breakthrough' MRI contrast design could make GBCAs safer, more effective

Researchers are hopeful their new approach to developing MRI contrast will "pave the way for safer, smarter imaging in clinical diagnostics."