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.

New GBCA uses 60% less gadolinium
Bayer’s latest contrast agent is proving its potential in clinical trials as a promising alternative to agents with higher gadolinium content.
Could synthetic images replace the need for contrast?
Synthetic images are often of diagnostic quality and can be reliably used to assess clinically significant prostate cancer while also sparing patients from contrast exposure.
Standard contrast protocols may be 'overdosing' women with the imaging agent
New research suggests female patients attenuate significantly more contrast media in their vessels and organs compared to men.
Multidose contrast injectors could increase waste in some radiology departments
These findings are important from both environmental and operational standpoints, authors of a new Academic Radiology paper point out.
New protocol addresses contrast allergies in patients with suspected stroke
In patients with suspected stroke, contrast allergies present a significant dilemma, as contrast-enhanced imaging is often used to guide treatment decisions.

ASE recommends contrast agent usage in echoes

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) has issued a consensus statement, supporting the use of contrast agents used to enhance echocardiogram images, and providing a guide for physicians who may be hesitant to use the contrast agents following a 2007 FDA black-box warning. The statement was published in the November issue of Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography.

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Imaging Contrast

New GBCA uses 60% less gadolinium

Could synthetic images replace the need for contrast?

Standard contrast protocols may be 'overdosing' women with the imaging agent

Multidose contrast injectors could increase waste in some radiology departments

New protocol addresses contrast allergies in patients with suspected stroke

Around the web