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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No gadolinium required: New take on old MRI contrast shows positive results

University of Texas at Dallas researchers applied their novel method to organic radical contrast agents with encouraging conclusions.

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ACR: Risk of administering CT contrast in patients with kidney disease ‘has been overstated’

The National Kidney Foundation joined the college in releasing a new consensus document that answers key questions and offers recommendations for using IV contrast in patients with impaired kidney function.

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‘One stop’ CT perfusion requires less contrast, radiation dose than CCTA

The new approach offers more comprehensive information with no loss of image quality, and may alter the care landscape for patients with coronary artery disease.

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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound predicts risk of progression to HCC

The researchers analyzed 39 consecutive patients with 44 pathologically confirmed cirrhotic nodules who first received a CEUS exam, followed by a traditional follow-up ultrasound every three or four months for their study.

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Can radiologists confidently use contrast-enhanced ultrasound LI-RADS?

The American College of Radiology released the contrast-specific LI-RADS system in response to the widespread use of the material in clinical practice. To date, however, few studies have analyzed its interreader agreement, and in those that have, results have been inconsistent.

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Contrast-enhanced digital mammo helps avoid benign biopsies

Using contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) to evaluate low to moderately suspicious breast lesions can greatly reduce biopsies in patients with benign lesions, according to a study published Sept. 5 in Academic Radiology.

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Genetics help predict adverse reactions to CT contrast agents

Patients with a family or personal history of allergic reactions to contrast media are in danger of experiencing future reactions, according to a study published Sept. 3 in Radiology.  

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New MRI contrast may be safer than gadolinium-based agents

The new agent is manganese-based (Mn-PyC3A) and produces tumor contrast enhancement similarly to that seen when using “state of the art” gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs).

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Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
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. 

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

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.

Cardiovascular Business
‘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.