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 protocol addresses contrast allergies in patients with suspected stroke
In patients with suspected stroke, contrast allergies present a significant dilemma, as contrast-enhanced imaging is often used to guide treatment decisions.
GBCA dose reduced by up to 80% with help from deep learning-based image reconstruction
Although GBCAs are largely considered safe, there are concerns about how gadolinium retention could affect patients who require repeated imaging.
Deep learning reconstruction cuts radiation and contrast dose by half in aortic CTA exams
A new analysis in Academic Radiology dives into the importance of finding balance between reducing radiation exposure while maintaining image quality.
New contrast injection system inks FDA clearance
The system can be set up in as little as two minutes and needs just 20 seconds to prime in between patients.
'Critical' oversight of 7 factors increases contrast waste
Since the onset of the iodinated contrast shortage in 2022, countless tactics have been deployed to optimize use of the imaging agent, but many have been overlooked.

Patient-reported risk factors increase unnecessary testing before contrast-enhanced CT

In a new study published in the AJR, pre-scan same day eGFR testing revealed that out of 10,256 patients who had these labs, only 1.4% displayed levels below the recommended cutoff.

April 6, 2022

FDA issues safety warning for iodinated contrast media use in children

The communication cited concerns of thyroid dysfunction in pediatric patients after administering the imaging agent.

March 31, 2022

Research advocates for the return of positive oral contrast in abdominopelvic CT exams

Use of such agents has diminished in recent years, but there is still a great need for oral contrast among oncology patients, experts report in AJR.

March 23, 2022

Simple, proven strategies to reduce extravasation of contrast media during CT scans

Though adverse events after subcutaneous extravasation of contrast media during CT scans are not common, serious complications can occur, experts report in Academic Radiology.

March 2, 2022

Allergic reactions to iodinated CT contrast increase likelihood of sensitivity to GBCAs

Historically, sensitivity to iodinated contrast media was not a risk factor for adverse reactions to gadolinium-based contrast agents, experts explained this week in Radiology.

February 22, 2022

Gadolinium-based contrast agents are safe, even at higher doses, new research suggests

The rat model showed no clinical evidence of neurotoxicity after doses above diagnostic levels were administered, but further research is needed in humans, experts reported in Radiology.

December 22, 2021

Guerbet, Bracco partner on new lower dose gadolinium contrast agent for MRI scans

Gadopiclenol was shown to require 50% less gadolinium compared to other commonly used agents, according to Phase 3 clinical studies.

December 14, 2021

New scoring system spots patients at risk of contrast-associated kidney injury

Mount Sinai doctors presented their simple system during the American Heart Association's annual meeting.

November 15, 2021

Imaging Contrast

New protocol addresses contrast allergies in patients with suspected stroke

GBCA dose reduced by up to 80% with help from deep learning-based image reconstruction

Deep learning reconstruction cuts radiation and contrast dose by half in aortic CTA exams

New contrast injection system inks FDA clearance

'Critical' oversight of 7 factors increases contrast waste