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.

Have we been 'overdependent' on iodinated contrast? New paper calls into question prior practices before the shortage

"Ultimately, long-term studies are vital to parse out whether the absence of iodinated contrast media greatly affected patient outcomes or if we have been overdependent on ICM unnecessarily.”

July 28, 2022

FDA temporarily approves importation of a second foreign-labeled iodinated contrast media

Bracco Diagnostics, Inc has been given the go ahead by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to temporarily import Iomeron (iomeprol injection) into the U.S. market amid the ongoing iodinated contrast media shortage.

July 20, 2022

Iodine contrast being loaded into a contrast injector in preparation for a cardiac CT scan at Duly Health and Care in Lisle, Illinois. The contrast shortage is causing some healthcare organizations to postpone exams and procedures and ration contrast supplies. Photo by Dave Fornell

Substituting iodinated contrast media in patients with a history of ICM reactions reduces risk by 61%

“For patients with a prior ICM-induced hypersensitivity reaction, healthcare providers must balance the benefit of ICM reuse against the risk of a repeat reaction,” authors of a new meta-analysis published in Radiology said.

July 20, 2022

Generic, FDA approved contrast agent set to hit the market in wake of nationwide shortage

On July 18 Fresenius Kabi announced that they are rolling out a line of generic contrast media products, starting immediately with Iodixanol Injection USP.

July 19, 2022

Contrast shortage update: FDA opens door for U.S. providers to order foreign-labeled Bayer contrast media

Per Bayer’s communications, the contrast agent is manufactured at the same site in Berlin, Germany as the Ultravist that is intended for U.S. markets, but due to its intended distribution abroad it lacks current FDA-approved labeling.

July 18, 2022

Contrast shortage update: Supplies could continue to lag until September

GE previously indicated that the iodinated contrast shortage would resolve by the end of June.

July 8, 2022

Measures associated with hospital readmission of pancreatitis patients

Beyond readmission, 32.9% of patients with increased pancreatic necrosis volumes required additional invasive interventions.

July 6, 2022

Routine CT scans offer opportunistic assessments of the parathyroid gland

Such assessments could “decrease existing diagnosis gaps,” according to a new study published in Academic Radiology.

June 29, 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