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.

MRI, novel contrast agent improves measurement of brain’s calcium activity

The technique, which combines MRI with a manganese-based contrast agent, could help researchers better understand how neurons communicate in the brain, according to the study published online Feb. 22 in Nature Communications.

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