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.

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.

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.

Gadolinium contrast helps radiologists’ confidence with neuroblastomas on MRI, but rarely alters care

Intravenous contrast may not be necessary for follow-up exams in certain patients with this form of cancer, a new analysis suggests.

Radiologists find direct evidence linking gadolinium-based contrast agent to higher retention rates

Experts compared retention and elimination rates between gadoteridol, a macrocyclic GBCA, and gadobenate dimeglumine, a linear contrast agent.

Radiologists reignite debate over the specialty's role in monitoring contrast injections

This opinion piece is the third published in JACR since the issue first popped up in March when two providers argued it may be time to reconsider rads' role in adverse events.

MRI contrast may supplant current ‘gold standard’ for assessing heart attack damage

Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging depicts heart muscle health and could more quickly inform treatment strategies.

Any further safety concerns could hinder ultrasound contrast agent delivery, manufacturer warns

North Billerica, Massachusetts-based Lantheus shared its forecast in a quarterly financial report published May 4.

Man facing possible prison time after administering CT contrast without license, proper training

Omayr K. Niazi, 41, holds a pharmacy technician license and is being charged with aggravated battery, forgery and wire fraud.

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