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.

Low dose GBCA effective, safe for pediatric imaging
Although gadopiclenol is approved for adults and children ages 2 and older, there is limited data on its use in the pediatric population.
Bayer seeks FDA approval for gadoquatrane, its latest low-dose GBCA
The investigational agent uses 60% less gadolinium without sacrificing image quality, according to recent clinical trial findings.
FDA approves expanded use of 'powerful' lung imaging tool
The approval will make around 1 million more patients eligible to receive the specialized contrast, which enhances the evaluation of lung ventilation.
Cardiac ultrasound contrast completely safe, despite reports to the contrary
There had been a recent uptick in adverse reactions to contrast agents used in transthoracic or stress echocardiography exams, the findings suggest.
FDA approves popular ultrasound enhancing agent for pediatric patients
Unlike other UEA options, GE HealthCare's Optison does not contain polyethylene glycol. The FDA approved its use for adult patients back in 1997.

Low dose GBCA effective, safe for pediatric imaging

Although gadopiclenol is approved for adults and children ages 2 and older, there is limited data on its use in the pediatric population.

Bayer seeks FDA approval for gadoquatrane, its latest low-dose GBCA

The investigational agent uses 60% less gadolinium without sacrificing image quality, according to recent clinical trial findings.

FDA approves expanded use of Xenoview for lung imaging

FDA approves expanded use of 'powerful' lung imaging tool

The approval will make around 1 million more patients eligible to receive the specialized contrast, which enhances the evaluation of lung ventilation.

GE HealthCare Optison ultrasound enhancing agent

Cardiac ultrasound contrast completely safe, despite reports to the contrary

There had been a recent uptick in adverse reactions to contrast agents used in transthoracic or stress echocardiography exams, the findings suggest.

Unlike other UEA options, GE HealthCare's Optison does not contain polyethylene glycol. The FDA approved its use for adult patients back in 1997.

U.S. iodine contrast supply may not be subject to proposed 25% tariffs

If President Trump initiates a 25% tariff against pharmaceuticals imported from Ireland, it might impact the price for X-ray iodine contrast agents in the U.S. depending what rules are put in place.

ACR updates guidance for managing and preventing contrast media reactions

The new recommendations address discordance between the college and other organizations’ prior guidelines on the use of premedication.

Stanford Medicine the first to use imaging system that lights up tumor margins intraoperatively

The organization is deploying the LumiSystem, which uses fluorescent dye and a small scope to illuminate cancerous tissue in the breast cavity during lumpectomy surgery.