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.

Preserving contrast media supplies: 7 ACR recommendations

With the shortage, which pertains specifically to all formulations and concentrations of GE Healthcare’s Omnipaque (iohexol), expected to last until mid-June, several organizations have alluded that conservation efforts are of critical importance.

Be prepared: IV contrast media shortage could last up to 8 weeks

All formulations and concentrations of GE Healthcare’s Omnipaque (iohexol) are expected to be in short supply until mid-June due to COVID lockdowns where the contrast is manufactured.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Imaging Contrast

Low dose GBCA effective, safe for pediatric imaging

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

FDA approves expanded use of 'powerful' lung imaging tool

Cardiac ultrasound contrast completely safe, despite reports to the contrary

FDA approves popular ultrasound enhancing agent for pediatric patients