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.

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Patient-reported risk factors increase unnecessary testing before contrast-enhanced CT

In a new study published in the AJR, pre-scan same day eGFR testing revealed that out of 10,256 patients who had these labs, only 1.4% displayed levels below the recommended cutoff.

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FDA issues safety warning for iodinated contrast media use in children

The communication cited concerns of thyroid dysfunction in pediatric patients after administering the imaging agent. 

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Research advocates for the return of positive oral contrast in abdominopelvic CT exams

Use of such agents has diminished in recent years, but there is still a great need for oral contrast among oncology patients, experts report in AJR. 

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Simple, proven strategies to reduce extravasation of contrast media during CT scans

Though adverse events after subcutaneous extravasation of contrast media during CT scans are not common, serious complications can occur, experts report in Academic Radiology.

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Allergic reactions to iodinated CT contrast increase likelihood of sensitivity to GBCAs

Historically, sensitivity to iodinated contrast media was not a risk factor for adverse reactions to gadolinium-based contrast agents, experts explained this week in Radiology.

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Gadolinium-based contrast agents are safe, even at higher doses, new research suggests

The rat model showed no clinical evidence of neurotoxicity after doses above diagnostic levels were administered, but further research is needed in humans, experts reported in Radiology.

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Guerbet, Bracco partner on new lower dose gadolinium contrast agent for MRI scans

Gadopiclenol was shown to require 50% less gadolinium compared to other commonly used agents, according to Phase 3 clinical studies.

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New scoring system spots patients at risk of contrast-associated kidney injury

Mount Sinai doctors presented their simple system during the American Heart Association's annual meeting.

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Positron partners with Upbeat Cardiology Solutions to improve cardiac PET/CT access

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

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‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.