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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Rethinking ICM storage could help imaging departments reduce waste by 59%

“While drug pricing is not opaque and absolute costs of medications can vary widely, any waste comes at a cost," researchers wrote in a new analysis. 

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PROMISE trial results reinforce confidence in new MRI contrast agent

The randomized, double-blinded phase 3 study revealed gadopiclenol to be noninferior to gadobutrol for all qualitative visualization parameters as rated by all blinded readers involved in the trial.

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New discovery paves the way for copper's entrance into MRI contrast agents

The new discovery contradicts the notion that copper is not suitable for use in contrast media.

Syringeless contrast media injectors like the GE Ulrich CT Motion have gained a lot of interest in 2022 because of the iodine contrast shortage. These systems use rollers to squeeze precise amounts of contrast from a large bolus container for multiple patients, helping conserve a significant amount of contrast.

Multi-use syringeless injectors could completely eliminate contrast waste

Such products could increase departmental efficiency and advance environmental initiatives in radiology, experts claimed in Academic Radiology.

MRA for pulmonary embolus

MR angiography a suitable alternative to CT when ruling out pulmonary embolus

The modality switch became especially important during the iodinated contrast shortage of 2022 when clinics were forced to deploy mitigation tactics as a means of preserving their contrast supply. 

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When GBCA use in musculoskeletal imaging is and is not appropriate

Although gadolinium-based contrast agents are largely considered safe and are routinely used for MRI exams, experts suggest that providers should still utilize GBCAs sparingly for musculoskeletal studies.

Philips' latest collaboration could make xenon MR imaging more widely available

In alliance with Polarean, Philips is rolling out a new MR system with advanced multi-nuclei imaging capabilities that will offer radiologists a detailed evaluation of lung ventilation using xenon gas as a contrast agent.

Is warming iodinated contrast prior to use really necessary?

The ACR Manual on Contrast Media suggests that highly viscous ICM should be warmed to body temperature prior to administration when using high-rate intravenous low-osmolality power injections, viscous iodinated CM, small-caliber catheters, or for timed studies looking at peak enhancement.   

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Around the web

Radiology Business
Tampa General radiology rides out 2 hurricanes with strategic disaster preparedness

Raj Kedar, MD, chief of imaging, discusses how the hospital planned to continue operations last fall when faced with hurricanes Helene and Milton.
 

Radiology Business
Enhancing STAT radiology exam order efficiency to reduce turnaround time

Raj Kedar, MD, chief of radiology at Tampa General Hospital, spoke on how to reduce the number of STAT imaging exams and inappropriate exams via staff education and additional questions of orders. 

 

Radiology Business
Tariffs threaten imaging access for patients, RBMA warns

Radiology practices are already operating on razor thin margins, with price increases prompting calls for congressional action to prevent further damage.