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.

GE Healthcare set to bolster supply of iodinated contrast media

These moves are part of a broader plan to increase the supply of iodine raw material, eventually enabling the production of an additional 30 million doses of iodinated contrast media annually by the year 2025.

October 13, 2022

Experts share positive news for women who have undergone multiple GBCA exposures during breast MRI

Authors of the new study stated that their findings are “reassuring” for both clinicians and patients.

September 30, 2022

New contrast agent receives FDA approval after competitors collaborate on development

The Sept. 21 announcement states that Gadopiclenol Injection—a highly stable macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent—is approved for use in adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older during MRI exams.

September 21, 2022

Scoring system outperforms BI-RADS assessments of contrast-enhanced mammography exams

For specificity—a metric that has been somewhat unpredictable in breast MRI and CEM—the scoring system performed significantly better than BI-RADS.

September 15, 2022

Omnipaque and Visipaque still listed among the FDA's drug shortages

According to the FDA’s most recent update, some presentations will remain out of stock or backordered until January 2023.

September 6, 2022

Contrast shortage prompts experts to contemplate future supply issues

A new article published by the Radiological Society of North America shares valuable commentary from experts in the field regarding how the medical industry can prepare for supply shortages in the future.

September 2, 2022

ACR updates contrast guidelines, permitting non-physician providers to supervise administration

The Aug. 29 statement indicates that non-radiologist physicians, advanced practice providers and registered nurses can oversee intravenous CT and MRI contrast administration at accredited imaging centers.

September 1, 2022

radiology reporting EHR health record CDS AUC

EHR-based solutions to the iodinated contrast shortage reduce usage by 12%

This week in AJR, experts from a large, multisite health system detailed their efforts to preserve contrast supplies by implementing electronic health record (EHR) order entry-based interventions.

August 3, 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