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.

Imaging platform that illuminates residual breast cancer in real-time gets 'historic' FDA approval
LumiSystem enables surgeons to intraoperatively illuminate residual cancerous tissue in the breast cavity during lumpectomy surgery.
Should women pause breastfeeding after contrast injections? Survey reveals vastly different opinions
The recommendations differ between professional medical organizations and contrast manufacturers as well.
Outpatient study finds CT contrast is generally safe, but risk of adverse events varies with the seasons
A three-institution study of 473,482 patients found the risk of an adverse event following CT contrast increases in the summer and fall.
FDA approves cardiac ultrasound enhancement drug for pediatric patients
The safety and efficacy for using Definity was backed by three successful clinical studies.
ACR updates requirements for on-site staff overseeing contrast administration
A clinician trained to manage reactions should be on-site at any imaging facilities doing contrast studies to maintain patient safety.

New MRI contrast agent for 3D microvascular imaging beats out gadolinium-based materials

Researchers expect the Supramolecular Amorphous-like Iron Oxide agent to play a vital role in diagnosing stroke, heart attack, dementia, and other similar conditions.

March 10, 2021

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

Around the web

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.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.

Cardiovascular Business

Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.

Imaging Contrast

Imaging platform that illuminates residual breast cancer in real-time gets 'historic' FDA approval

Should women pause breastfeeding after contrast injections? Survey reveals vastly different opinions

Outpatient study finds CT contrast is generally safe, but risk of adverse events varies with the seasons

FDA approves cardiac ultrasound enhancement drug for pediatric patients

ACR updates requirements for on-site staff overseeing contrast administration

Around the web