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 software could improve diagnosis of lung conditions for patients who cannot tolerate contrast dye
The machine learning-based software uses a formula called the Integrated Jacobian Formulation to calculate lung volume based on metrics derived from imaging taken during inhalation and exhalation.
One adverse reaction to a GBCA significantly increases risk of another in the future
The type of gadolinium-based agent administered could also increase the risk of reaction, a new study suggests.
Could diamond dust replace gadolinium in MRI contrast agents?
An accidental discovery could have future implications for the material makeup for MRI contrast media.
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.

Death of a woman who suffered allergic reaction to CT contrast prompts inquiry

Peta Hickey, 43, was referred for an exam in 2019 as part of her company's corporate heart check program.

April 29, 2021

FDA greenlights clinical trials testing novel MRI contrast agent for prostate cancer

Case Western Reserve University developed the gadolinium material, which is expected to be tested in 30 healthy participants beginning later this month.

April 23, 2021

‘Careful what we wish for’: Radiologist warns against relinquishing contrast monitoring duties

The caution comes just one week after a pair of imaging experts said it's time the field reconsiders radiologists' role in overseeing adverse contrast reactions.

March 22, 2021

Why it’s time to reconsider radiologists' role in monitoring adverse contrast reactions

Physicians face a similar risk of injury on their drive to imaging centers as patients receiving contrast for exams, two experts argued in JACR.

March 16, 2021

New MRI contrast agent for 3D microvascular imaging beats out gadolinium-based materials

Researchers expect the Supramolecular Amorphous-like Iron Oxide agent to play a vital role in diagnosing stroke, heart attack, dementia, and other similar conditions.

March 10, 2021

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography helps predict the risk of negative outcomes after a liver transplant

The approach is a promising tool to safely and effectively evaluate donor liver perfusion, researchers explained in the European Journal of Radiology.

December 17, 2020

Gadolinium-free imaging agent has strong potential as preferred contrast for MRI exams

The manganese-based contrast was also expelled more rapidly and completely from the body compared to other imaging agents.

December 15, 2020

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI helps clinicians diagnose Bell’s palsy

The approach accurately detected facial muscle abnormalities associated with the condition, according to research published in Clinical Radiology.

November 4, 2020

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Cardiovascular Business

AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans.

Radiology Business

Google teams with Bayer to address radiologist burnout via AI

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday.

Imaging Contrast

New software could improve diagnosis of lung conditions for patients who cannot tolerate contrast dye

One adverse reaction to a GBCA significantly increases risk of another in the future

Could diamond dust replace gadolinium in MRI contrast agents?

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

Imaging platform that illuminates residual breast cancer in real-time gets 'historic' FDA approval

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