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.

Investigation into patient's death after contrast injection begins

The man's wife told the court that he had undergone similar scans multiple times before and had never experienced any sort of adverse reaction.

time-delayed MRI phases improve brain tumor visualization

Using multiple MRI phases after contrast injection significantly improves visualization of brain tumors

Researchers are proposing making additional phases beyond the 10-minute mark mandatory when analyzing brain metastases.

AI software improves diagnosis of lung conditions when contrast cannot be used

New software could improve diagnosis of lung conditions for patients who cannot tolerate contrast dye

The machine learning-based software uses a formula called the Integrated Jacobian Formulation to calculate lung volume based on metrics derived from imaging taken during inhalation and exhalation.

One adverse reaction to a GBCA significantly increases risk of another in the future

The type of gadolinium-based agent administered could also increase the risk of reaction, a new study suggests.

Could diamond dust replace gadolinium in MRI contrast agents?

An accidental discovery could have future implications for the material makeup for MRI contrast media.

The imaging iodine contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing at hospitals. impact is it having on hospitals and the tough decisions that are being made to triage patients to determine if they will get a contrast CT scan or an interventional or surgical procedure requiring contrast. Photo by Dave Fornell

ChatGPT shows 'significant promise' in guiding contrast-related decisions

This could be especially helpful when timely clinical decisions relative to the use of a contrast agent need to be made.

Imaging platform that illuminates residual breast cancer in real-time gets 'historic' FDA approval

LumiSystem enables surgeons to intraoperatively illuminate residual cancerous tissue in the breast cavity during lumpectomy surgery.

Should women pause breastfeeding after contrast injections? Survey reveals vastly different opinions

The recommendations differ between professional medical organizations and contrast manufacturers as well.

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