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.

New software could improve diagnosis of lung conditions for patients who cannot tolerate contrast dye
The machine learning-based software uses a formula called the Integrated Jacobian Formulation to calculate lung volume based on metrics derived from imaging taken during inhalation and exhalation.
One adverse reaction to a GBCA significantly increases risk of another in the future
The type of gadolinium-based agent administered could also increase the risk of reaction, a new study suggests.
Could diamond dust replace gadolinium in MRI contrast agents?
An accidental discovery could have future implications for the material makeup for MRI contrast media.
ChatGPT shows 'significant promise' in guiding contrast-related decisions
This could be especially helpful when timely clinical decisions relative to the use of a contrast agent need to be made.
Imaging platform that illuminates residual breast cancer in real-time gets 'historic' FDA approval
LumiSystem enables surgeons to intraoperatively illuminate residual cancerous tissue in the breast cavity during lumpectomy surgery.

AI software improves diagnosis of lung conditions when contrast cannot be used

New software could improve diagnosis of lung conditions for patients who cannot tolerate contrast dye

The machine learning-based software uses a formula called the Integrated Jacobian Formulation to calculate lung volume based on metrics derived from imaging taken during inhalation and exhalation.

May 17, 2024

One adverse reaction to a GBCA significantly increases risk of another in the future

The type of gadolinium-based agent administered could also increase the risk of reaction, a new study suggests.

May 15, 2024

Could diamond dust replace gadolinium in MRI contrast agents?

An accidental discovery could have future implications for the material makeup for MRI contrast media.

April 25, 2024

The imaging iodine contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing at hospitals. impact is it having on hospitals and the tough decisions that are being made to triage patients to determine if they will get a contrast CT scan or an interventional or surgical procedure requiring contrast. Photo by Dave Fornell

ChatGPT shows 'significant promise' in guiding contrast-related decisions

This could be especially helpful when timely clinical decisions relative to the use of a contrast agent need to be made.

April 23, 2024

Imaging platform that illuminates residual breast cancer in real-time gets 'historic' FDA approval

LumiSystem enables surgeons to intraoperatively illuminate residual cancerous tissue in the breast cavity during lumpectomy surgery.

April 18, 2024

CT iodine contrast Omnipaq bolus next to a scanner at Central DuPage Hospital.

Should women pause breastfeeding after contrast injections? Survey reveals vastly different opinions

The recommendations differ between professional medical organizations and contrast manufacturers as well.

April 16, 2024

Outpatient study finds CT contrast is generally safe, but risk of adverse events varies with the seasons

A three-institution study of 473,482 patients found the risk of an adverse event following CT contrast increases in the summer and fall.

March 15, 2024

FDA approves cardiac ultrasound enhancement drug for pediatric patients

The safety and efficacy for using Definity was backed by three successful clinical studies.

March 4, 2024