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.

New protocol addresses contrast allergies in patients with suspected stroke
In patients with suspected stroke, contrast allergies present a significant dilemma, as contrast-enhanced imaging is often used to guide treatment decisions.
GBCA dose reduced by up to 80% with help from deep learning-based image reconstruction
Although GBCAs are largely considered safe, there are concerns about how gadolinium retention could affect patients who require repeated imaging.
Deep learning reconstruction cuts radiation and contrast dose by half in aortic CTA exams
A new analysis in Academic Radiology dives into the importance of finding balance between reducing radiation exposure while maintaining image quality.
New contrast injection system inks FDA clearance
The system can be set up in as little as two minutes and needs just 20 seconds to prime in between patients.
'Critical' oversight of 7 factors increases contrast waste
Since the onset of the iodinated contrast shortage in 2022, countless tactics have been deployed to optimize use of the imaging agent, but many have been overlooked.

Contrast-enhanced mammography uses iodine contrast injected into a patient and mammography system to image contrast uptake or areas of increased vascular activity, which is typical of cancers. This can help image through dense breast tissue to find cancers that are otherwise masked by dense breast tissue.

Radiologists should be aware of these clinical factors when reading CEM scans

The degree of background parenchymal enhancement on CEM during certain days of a premenopausal woman's cycle could impact how radiologists interpret the exam.

January 25, 2023

Do non-physician providers request contrast-enhanced imaging more often?

The growing presence of non-physician practitioners has created an increased demand for contrast-enhanced imaging, according to new data.

January 17, 2023

How common are acute kidney injuries in kids following contrast administration?

Based on the findings of a new paper in Radiology, the risks of contrast-associated acute kidney injuries are rare in kids, but age can be a protective factor.

December 7, 2022

AI is still one of the key technologies on the floor many radiologists want to learn more about. of the AI. A product rep discussing breast automated detection AI in the crowded Lunit booth at RSNA 2022.

9 technology trends and takeaways from RSNA 2022

Here are some interesting new technologies and key trends from the vast expo floor at the Radiological Society of North America 2022 meeting.

December 6, 2022

GE Healthcare program recycles departments' leftover iodinated contrast for future use

In 2006, the company started an iodine recycling program for imaging departments that had leftover contrast that would go to waste at the end of the day if left unused. That program expanded into the U.S. and Canada in 2021.

December 6, 2022

GE Healthcare's $80 million investment furthers mission to increase contrast media production

This latest move—one of many made by GE recently—contributes to the company’s goal of upping contrast media production by an additional 30 million doses by the year 2025.

November 20, 2022

Are synthetic contrast-enhanced breast MRI images as good as the real thing?

Synthesizing contrast-enhanced imaging from pre-contrast inputs using deep learning can help overcome obstacles involved in the use of GBCAs.

November 18, 2022

Iodinated contrast use before, during and after COVID: Trends predict significant growth in demand

A new analysis suggests that, if the use of iodinated contrast were to follow pre-pandemic trends, it could rise by as much as 37% from 2019.

November 17, 2022

Imaging Contrast

New protocol addresses contrast allergies in patients with suspected stroke

GBCA dose reduced by up to 80% with help from deep learning-based image reconstruction

Deep learning reconstruction cuts radiation and contrast dose by half in aortic CTA exams

New contrast injection system inks FDA clearance

'Critical' oversight of 7 factors increases contrast waste