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.

Fasting before contrast-enhanced CT exams is unnecessary, experts say

In some instances, not eating solid foods can actually make patients feel sick, leading to nausea and dehydration, researchers explained recently.

October 23, 2020

Targeted US adds diagnostic insight for suspicious lesions found on contrast-enhanced mammography

The ultrasound-guided approach may also be used in biopsy planning when MRI is not available, experts wrote in AJR.

October 8, 2020

Radiology practice paying $500K after allegedly delivering contrast imaging without doc supervision

Advanced Imaging of Port Charlotte also billed Medicare for services performed by doctors who lacked the proper credentials, the DOJ announced.

September 30, 2020

Ultrasound society urges FDA to eliminate 'outdated' contrast label warnings

The International Contrast Ultrasound Society submitted a Citizens Petition to the administration, following similar efforts undertaken in the past two years.

September 1, 2020

Novel ‘double-contrast’ method spots small tumors on MRI

University of California, Davis, researchers believe their new probe could help detect very small, early stage tumors.

May 27, 2020

University spinoff receives $750K to develop iron-based alternative to gadolinium contrasts

Ferric Contrast, a contrast agent company founded by faculty from the University at Buffalo in New York, says doctors and patients want new options in MR imaging.

May 22, 2020

New MRI contrast agent detects cancers before they spread to the brain

The material increases magentic resonance sensitivity so that providers can visualize abnormal tissue changes indicative of metastasis.

March 19, 2020

‘Game changer’: MRI contrast agent targets new liver cancer biomarker

Initial results were so successful that the material has been fast-tracked by the FDA in an effort to test its accuracy in human clinical trials.

February 10, 2020

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