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.

No gadolinium required: New take on old MRI contrast shows positive results

University of Texas at Dallas researchers applied their novel method to organic radical contrast agents with encouraging conclusions.

February 6, 2020

ACR: Risk of administering CT contrast in patients with kidney disease ‘has been overstated’

The National Kidney Foundation joined the college in releasing a new consensus document that answers key questions and offers recommendations for using IV contrast in patients with impaired kidney function.

January 21, 2020

‘One stop’ CT perfusion requires less contrast, radiation dose than CCTA

The new approach offers more comprehensive information with no loss of image quality, and may alter the care landscape for patients with coronary artery disease.

December 18, 2019

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound predicts risk of progression to HCC

The researchers analyzed 39 consecutive patients with 44 pathologically confirmed cirrhotic nodules who first received a CEUS exam, followed by a traditional follow-up ultrasound every three or four months for their study.

October 25, 2019

UFR-guided hydration minimizes contrast-induced complications in CKD patients

Urine flow rate-guided hydration, as opposed to left ventricular end-diastolic pressure-guided hydration, could prevent more complications in CKD patients who are at a high risk for contrast-induced kidney injury.

October 15, 2019

Can radiologists confidently use contrast-enhanced ultrasound LI-RADS?

The American College of Radiology released the contrast-specific LI-RADS system in response to the widespread use of the material in clinical practice. To date, however, few studies have analyzed its interreader agreement, and in those that have, results have been inconsistent.

October 8, 2019

Contrast-enhanced digital mammo helps avoid benign biopsies

Using contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) to evaluate low to moderately suspicious breast lesions can greatly reduce biopsies in patients with benign lesions, according to a study published Sept. 5 in Academic Radiology.

September 5, 2019

Genetics help predict adverse reactions to CT contrast agents

Patients with a family or personal history of allergic reactions to contrast media are in danger of experiencing future reactions, according to a study published Sept. 3 in Radiology.

September 4, 2019

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