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.

Noncontrast CT a cost-friendly alternative to select late-stroke patients for thrombectomy

Using CT resulted in similar clinical and safety outcomes compared to advanced imaging, such as MRI and CT perfusion.

November 9, 2021

Warming up CT contrast agents raises radiology department costs and few clinical benefits

Checking the temperature of warming devices and maintaining equipment may not be entirely necessary, new research suggests.

November 5, 2021

AI combining contrast-enhanced and non-contrast CT accurately identifies brain metastases

The platform utilizing both image types detected cancer with a positive predictive value of 44%, beating out a contrast-only approach.

November 2, 2021

Delayed-phase contrast-CT scans can help detect early pancreatic cancers, study shows

Given pancreatic cancer is aggressive and challenging to treat, early detection is key to a positive prognosis, researchers explained.

October 20, 2021

AI carries ‘enormous potential’ to transform cardiac MRI, reduce scan times without using contrast

Virtual native enhancement produces higher quality scans compared to traditional modalities but without gadolinium-enhancement required.

August 31, 2021

AI automates radiologists’ decision to perform prostate MRI scans with or without contrast

Ideally, clinicians could weigh the pros and cons for each exam, but time is typically at a premium for radiology departments flooded with prostate scan requests.

August 26, 2021

Fewer than 2% of patients know which imaging contrast caused their allergic reaction

Providers share some of the blame, and should provide patients with written documentation of the offending contrast material, experts argued in Clinical Imaging.

August 9, 2021

AI software that eliminates need for gadolinium contrast during imaging exams wins patent

The automated tool takes non-contrast scans and outputs synthetic images mimicking exams enhanced with GBCAs.

June 25, 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