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.

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.
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.
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.
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.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography helps predict the risk of negative outcomes after a liver transplant

The approach is a promising tool to safely and effectively evaluate donor liver perfusion, researchers explained in the European Journal of Radiology.

December 17, 2020

Gadolinium-free imaging agent has strong potential as preferred contrast for MRI exams

The manganese-based contrast was also expelled more rapidly and completely from the body compared to other imaging agents.

December 15, 2020

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI helps clinicians diagnose Bell’s palsy

The approach accurately detected facial muscle abnormalities associated with the condition, according to research published in Clinical Radiology.

November 4, 2020

Man died after receiving ‘unnecessary’ contrast scan, despite kidney issues

Radiologists signed off on the exam, but never took the proper steps to determine the 91-year-old's contrast risks.

November 3, 2020

Cardiac MRI contrast agents are low-risk and safe for ‘overwhelming’ majority of patients

German researchers reported acute adverse effects in only 0.38% of contrast-enhanced exams, with few severe reactions.

October 29, 2020

Fasting before contrast-enhanced CT exams is unnecessary, experts say

In some instances, not eating solid foods can actually make patients feel sick, leading to nausea and dehydration, researchers explained recently.

October 23, 2020

Breast imaging mammogram screening study being performed. The mammograms can reveal is a patient has breast cancer.

Targeted US adds diagnostic insight for suspicious lesions found on contrast-enhanced mammography

The ultrasound-guided approach may also be used in biopsy planning when MRI is not available, experts wrote in AJR.

October 8, 2020

Radiology practice paying $500K after allegedly delivering contrast imaging without doc supervision

Advanced Imaging of Port Charlotte also billed Medicare for services performed by doctors who lacked the proper credentials, the DOJ announced.

September 30, 2020

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Cardiovascular Business

AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Cardiovascular Business

AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans.

Radiology Business

Google teams with Bayer to address radiologist burnout via AI

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday.

Imaging Contrast

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

Investigation into patient's death after contrast injection begins

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

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

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

Around the web