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.

‘Careful what we wish for’: Radiologist warns against relinquishing contrast monitoring duties

The caution comes just one week after a pair of imaging experts said it's time the field reconsiders radiologists' role in overseeing adverse contrast reactions.

March 22, 2021

Why it’s time to reconsider radiologists' role in monitoring adverse contrast reactions

Physicians face a similar risk of injury on their drive to imaging centers as patients receiving contrast for exams, two experts argued in JACR.

March 16, 2021

New MRI contrast agent for 3D microvascular imaging beats out gadolinium-based materials

Researchers expect the Supramolecular Amorphous-like Iron Oxide agent to play a vital role in diagnosing stroke, heart attack, dementia, and other similar conditions.

March 10, 2021

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography helps predict the risk of negative outcomes after a liver transplant

The approach is a promising tool to safely and effectively evaluate donor liver perfusion, researchers explained in the European Journal of Radiology.

December 17, 2020

Gadolinium-free imaging agent has strong potential as preferred contrast for MRI exams

The manganese-based contrast was also expelled more rapidly and completely from the body compared to other imaging agents.

December 15, 2020

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI helps clinicians diagnose Bell’s palsy

The approach accurately detected facial muscle abnormalities associated with the condition, according to research published in Clinical Radiology.

November 4, 2020

Man died after receiving ‘unnecessary’ contrast scan, despite kidney issues

Radiologists signed off on the exam, but never took the proper steps to determine the 91-year-old's contrast risks.

November 3, 2020

Cardiac MRI contrast agents are low-risk and safe for ‘overwhelming’ majority of patients

German researchers reported acute adverse effects in only 0.38% of contrast-enhanced exams, with few severe reactions.

October 29, 2020

Imaging Contrast

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

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

Could diamond dust replace gadolinium in MRI contrast agents?

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

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