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.

'One-stop-shop' CT stroke protocol reduces scan time, contrast dose and radiation exposure

The protocol integrates CT angiography of the head and neck with the tomography perfusion acquisition, eliminating the need for two separate scans.

Using high concentration contrast media reduces patients' pain and discomfort during injections

While most safety considerations associated with contrast injections, like hypersensitivity reactions and extravasation, rarely become reality, pain at the injection site is much more common.

Test bolus of diluted contrast optimizes scan timing during CTA

It also reduces iodine uptake and radiation dose in patients, without sacrificing image quality.

Contrast protocols based on lean body weight save supplies, reduce patient risk

Adjusting contrast dose based on a patient’s lean body weight provides the same image quality as other administration methods, new data show.

The feasibility of reduced contrast flow rates in PE studies

Around one out of every 1,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism every year, but even more undergo imaging to rule out clots.

Fluorinated contrast agents show 'strong potential' for MRI theranostics

Experts have developed a first-of-its-kind fluorinated contrast agent they believe will provide more detailed MR imaging and aid in the treatment of certain cancers.

GBCA doses can be reduced by over 50% for some MRI exams

In some cases, contrast doses can be reduced by as much as 62% without sacrificing diagnostic quality.

Dose reduction protocol makes multiple same-day contrast injections possible when necessary

This reduction protocol allows for acceptable lesion visualization while also providing a cautionary cushion when the safety of sequential contrast injections is in question.

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