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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Could diamond dust replace gadolinium in MRI contrast agents?

An accidental discovery could have future implications for the material makeup for MRI contrast media.

The imaging iodine contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing at hospitals. impact is it having on hospitals and the tough decisions that are being made to triage patients to determine if they will get a contrast CT scan or an interventional or surgical procedure requiring contrast. Photo by Dave Fornell

ChatGPT shows 'significant promise' in guiding contrast-related decisions

This could be especially helpful when timely clinical decisions relative to the use of a contrast agent need to be made.

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.

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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.

AI Imaging Contrast Development

National Science Foundation issues $1M grant to eliminate imaging contrast with AI

Case Western Reserve University researchers hope to make the diagnosis of cancer safer and less expensive.

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GE HealthCare launches new cardiac CT scanner with advanced AI capabilities

GE HealthCare designed the new-look Revolution Vibe CT scanner to help hospitals and health systems embrace CCTA and improve overall efficiency.

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Bracco updates HeartSee coronary flow capacity software with new diagnostic features

Clinicians have been using HeartSee to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease since the technology first debuted back in 2018. These latest updates, set to roll out to existing users, are designed to improve diagnostic performance and user access.

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Key trends in diagnostic heart testing: CT on the rise as some traditional techniques fall out of favor

The cardiac technologies clinicians use for CVD evaluations have changed significantly in recent years, according to a new analysis of CMS data. While some modalities are on the rise, others are being utilized much less than ever before.