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.

Man died after receiving ‘unnecessary’ contrast scan, despite kidney issues

Radiologists signed off on the exam, but never took the proper steps to determine the 91-year-old's contrast risks.

Cardiac MRI contrast agents are low-risk and safe for ‘overwhelming’ majority of patients

German researchers reported acute adverse effects in only 0.38% of contrast-enhanced exams, with few severe reactions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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