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.

Contaminated CT contrast blamed for 8 patient hospitalizations
After several radiology patients were sickened following an injection of iodinated contrast, the hospital where the incidents occurred has revealed the culprit.
Lowest dose gadolinium-based contrast agent to date inches closer to FDA approval
Gadoquatrane is now set to go through the regulatory review process on its trek to earning full FDA approval.
Woman dies following severe allergic reaction to CT contrast
The 22-year-old patient was undergoing a computed tomography exam with contrast due to her history of kidney stones.
Fluorescent contrast agent noninvasively identifies common skin cancer
When used topically, the agent penetrates the skin and generates a fluorescent signal under the guidance of a fluorescent confocal microscope.
Bacteria-based contrast agent offers 'substantial improvements' for tumor border delineation during surgery
Essentially, the agent places a bright neon sign on the entirety of tumors and their borders, and it does so autonomously.

Why it’s time to reconsider radiologists' role in monitoring adverse contrast reactions

Physicians face a similar risk of injury on their drive to imaging centers as patients receiving contrast for exams, two experts argued in JACR.

New MRI contrast agent for 3D microvascular imaging beats out gadolinium-based materials

Researchers expect the Supramolecular Amorphous-like Iron Oxide agent to play a vital role in diagnosing stroke, heart attack, dementia, and other similar conditions.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography helps predict the risk of negative outcomes after a liver transplant

The approach is a promising tool to safely and effectively evaluate donor liver perfusion, researchers explained in the European Journal of Radiology.

Gadolinium-free imaging agent has strong potential as preferred contrast for MRI exams

The manganese-based contrast was also expelled more rapidly and completely from the body compared to other imaging agents.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI helps clinicians diagnose Bell’s palsy

The approach accurately detected facial muscle abnormalities associated with the condition, according to research published in Clinical Radiology.

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.

Imaging Contrast

Contaminated CT contrast blamed for 8 patient hospitalizations

Lowest dose gadolinium-based contrast agent to date inches closer to FDA approval

Woman dies following severe allergic reaction to CT contrast

Fluorescent contrast agent noninvasively identifies common skin cancer

Bacteria-based contrast agent offers 'substantial improvements' for tumor border delineation during surgery