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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Ultrasound society urges FDA to eliminate 'outdated' contrast label warnings

The International Contrast Ultrasound Society submitted a Citizens Petition to the administration, following similar efforts undertaken in the past two years.

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Novel ‘double-contrast’ method spots small tumors on MRI

University of California, Davis, researchers believe their new probe could help detect very small, early stage tumors.

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University spinoff receives $750K to develop iron-based alternative to gadolinium contrasts

Ferric Contrast, a contrast agent company founded by faculty from the University at Buffalo in New York, says doctors and patients want new options in MR imaging.

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New MRI contrast agent detects cancers before they spread to the brain

The material increases magentic resonance sensitivity so that providers can visualize abnormal tissue changes indicative of metastasis.

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‘Game changer’: MRI contrast agent targets new liver cancer biomarker

Initial results were so successful that the material has been fast-tracked by the FDA in an effort to test its accuracy in human clinical trials.

Around the web

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

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

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.

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