Alan H. Matsumoto, MD, chair of the department of radiology at the University of Virginia and vice chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors, explains the contrast shortage situation and the tough decisions providers are being forced to make.

Alan H. Matsumoto, MD, chair of the department of radiology at the University of Virginia, vice chair of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Board of Chancellors, and chairman of the ACR Commission on Interventional and Cardiovascular Radiology, explains that the iodine contrast shortage has led to use of MRI gadolinium contrast agents in some cases.

Kirk Garratt, MD, medical director of the Center for Heart and Vascular Health, ChristianaCare, and a past president of SCAI, explains what this shortage means for interventional cardiologists.

Terry Bowers, MD, director of vascular medicine at Beaumont Hospital and national co-chair of the Pulmonary Embolism Research Collaborative (PERC), explains the trend toward creating pulmonary embolism (PE) response teams that include cardiology. 

All formulations and concentrations of GE Healthcare’s Omnipaque (iohexol) are expected to be in short supply until mid-June due to COVID lockdowns where the contrast is manufactured.

A new study published in Radiology found that mesh plugs that are traditionally used to treat brain aneurysms where the blood vessels branch out can also be effective when used to treat aneurysms on the side of the vessel. 

Experts urged physicians to take extra protective measures when in the presence of metal protheses during procedures and to be vigilant in shielding their eyes from additional exposure. 

Research found that 68% of patients who underwent a GAE procedure experienced significant reductions in pain and improved overall function.