Administration Of Contrast Medium Research Articles

Continuous use of metformin in patients receiving contrast medium: what is the evidence? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Substantial inconsistencies exist in current guidelines regarding recommendations of metformin usage with the administration of a contrast medium. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to determine whether the risks of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) and lactic acidosis increase with metformin use in diabetic patients receiving a contrast medium. Studies were retrieved from databases from inception to May 15, 2021. Studies that compared the outcomes of using metformin with not using metformin during contrast medium administration were included. The primary outcomes were incidence of CI-AKI and lactic acidosis. The secondary outcomes were renal function changes from baseline. Data analysis was using risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for continuous outcomes. Analyses of two randomized controlled trials and four retrospective cohorts examining a total of 1459 patients revealed no significant differences in the incidence of CI-AKI (RR = 1.08; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.63) and in changes in renal function measurements (serum creatinine: MD = 0.00mg/dL, 95% CI, - 0.05 to 0.05; estimated glomerular filtration rate: MD = 0.22, 95% CI, - 2.47 to 2.91) after contrast medium administration between patients using and not using metformin. There is no evidence that continuing metformin during contrast medium administration is associated with a higher risk of CI-AKI, lactic acidosis, or renal function deterioration compared to patients who discontinued metformin or who were not metformin users. The limited quality of the included studies may compromise the strength of evidence provided in this meta-analysis. There is no need to discontinue metformin either before or after intravenous contrast medium exposure in patients with eGFR > 30mL/min/1.73 m2. In patients receiving intra-arterial contrast medium with first-pass renal exposure, there is no need to withhold metformin if eGFR is above 60mL/min/1.73 m2. For patients who have an eGFR level between 30 and 60mL/min/1.73 m2 and are receiving intra-arterial contrast medium with first-pass renal exposure, no case of lactic acidosis was observed based on present data, but further evidence is needed to make a strong suggestion regarding its safety.

Quantification of contrast agent uptake in the hepatobiliary phase helps to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma grade

This study aimed to assess the degree of differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using Gd-EOB-DTPA-assisted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T1 relaxometry. Thirty-three solitary HCC lesions were included in this retrospective study. This study's inclusion criteria were preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA-assisted MRI of the liver and a histopathological evaluation after hepatic tumor resection. T1 maps of the liver were evaluated to determine the T1 relaxation time and reduction rate between the native phase and hepatobiliary phase (HBP) in liver lesions. These findings were correlated with the histopathologically determined degree of HCC differentiation (G1, well-differentiated; G2, moderately differentiated; G3, poorly differentiated). There was no significant difference between well-differentiated (950.2 ± 140.2 ms) and moderately/poorly differentiated (1009.4 ± 202.0 ms) HCCs in the native T1 maps. After contrast medium administration, a significant difference (p ≤ 0.001) in the mean T1 relaxation time in the HBP was found between well-differentiated (555.4 ± 140.2 ms) and moderately/poorly differentiated (750.9 ± 146.4 ms) HCCs. For well-differentiated HCCs, the reduction rate in the T1 time was significantly higher at 0.40 ± 0.15 than for moderately/poorly differentiated HCCs (0.25 ± 0.07; p = 0.006). In conclusion this study suggests that the uptake of Gd-EOB-DTPA in HCCs is correlated with tumor grade. Thus, Gd-EOB-DTPA-assisted T1 relaxometry can help to further differentiation of HCC.

Percutaneous Angiographically Assisted Cryoablation of Renal Cell Carcinoma under the Control of Flat-Detector Computed Tomography: Capabilities and Potential Advantages of the Technique

Purpose: Percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) stage T1a (≤4 cm) generally performed using MDCT with intravenous contrast material administration. Most interventional radiology departments are not equipped MDCT scanners and this is holding back widespread adoption of this technique into practical medicine. Flat-detector computed tomography (FDCT) is included in the standard equipment of modern angiographic systems, which makes it possible to combine the technologies of computed tomography with various technologies of intra-arterial contrasting and endovascular treatment. The purpose of the study was to assess the possibilities and potential advantages of using intraarterial contrasting during FDCT-controlled PCA of RCC T1a.Material and methods: Since 2017 angiographically assisted PCA under the FDCT control performed in 14 patients with RCC T1a. The procedure was performed in the X-ray operating room on an Artis Zee Floor angiographic unit with FDCT function and iGuide Needle Guidance and 3D/3D Fusion technologies (Siemens, Germany) using the SeedNet Gold system and IceEDGE 13 G, IceRod 17 G or IceSphere 17 G cryoprobes (Galil Medical, USA). At all stages of the procedure, FDCT-arteriography of the kidney (FDCT-A) performed according to the original technique: injection into the renal artery 12 ml of non-ionic contrast materials at a rate of 1 ml/s and performing scanning 5 s after the start of contrast materials injection.Results: The primary technical efficiency of FDCT-controlled PCA of RCC T1a was 92.9 %, the secondary — 100 %. Complications of grade 3 according to the CIRSE classification were identified in three patients (21.4 %), complications of grade 4, 5 and 6 not observed. The use of arterial access and the FDCT-A execution at different stages of PCA had the following advantages: 1) high-quality visualization of the tumor with minimal consumption of contrast materials; 2) simple and accurate positioning of cryoprobes using the iGuide Needle Guidance program; 3) estimation of the future ablative margin by fusion FDCT data about tumor with FDCT data about ice ball; 4) reliable diagnosis of bleeding after removal of cryoprobes with the possibility of immediate performing of endovascular hemostasis.Conclusion: Percutaneous angiographically assisted cryoablation under the FDCT control is an affordable, safe and effective technology for the treatment of RCC T1a, which has a number of potential advantages compared to performing procedures using MDCT control. Further research is advisable to study of this PCA technique with its subsequent possible introduction into the routine practice in Interventional Radiology departments of multidisciplinary oncological hospitals.

Use of computed tomography angiography for the evaluation of a cutaneous haemangioma in a Standardbred horse

SummaryCutaneous haeangiomas are benign vascular neoplasms that arise from endothelial cells of blood vessels. Haemangiomas account for 0.6%–4% of all equine cutaneous neoplasms and the fetlock is the most commonly affected site. We describe the use of computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the evaluation of a cutaneous haemangioma located on the plantarolateral aspect of the left hindlimb fetlock of a 9‐month‐old Standardbred colt. Computed tomography angiography of the affected fetlock was performed under general anaesthesia. The medial plantar artery was catheterised and a total volume of 50 ml of iodinated non‐ionic contrast medium (Iopamidol, 300 mg I/ml, Bracco Imaging Canada) was injected at a rate of 2 ml/s. Following contrast medium administration, the dorsal metatarsal artery and branches including the lateral and medial digital arteries were well demarcated. Two smaller lateral and medial arteries were also identified, forming the vascular network of the metatarsophalangeal joint. At the level of the haemangioma, two tortuous arteries arising from the lateral digital artery were identified, in addition to multiple small branches from nearby cutaneous arteries. These vessels supplied the homogeneously strongly contrast‐enhancing cutaneous mass. The initial goal of the CTA study was to map the vascular anatomy for arterial embolisation in conjunction with pharmacological therapy. Considering the involvement of multiple small arterial branches, complete surgical excision along with ligation of the two main supplying arteries was alternatively elected, resulting in a successful long‐term outcome.

A novel risk score for contrast-associated acute kidney injury: the heart of the matter

Given the hundreds of thousands of contrast medium doses that are injected every day, contrast-associated acute kidney injury is an important issue. However, it is fraught with controversy. The first reports of acute kidney injury after contrast administration date from the 1950s, but who is at risk and the risk itself are still being debated. Identifying kidney injury caused by contrast media is a challenge because it is not characterised by specific symptoms; contrast-associated acute kidney injury is an indirect, biochemical diagnosis based on absolute or relative increases in serum creatinine within a few days after contrast medium administration.

Cone-Beam Breast Computed Tomography: Time for a New Paradigm in Breast Imaging.

It is time to reconsider how we image the breast. Although the breast is a 3D structure, we have traditionally used 2D mammography to perform screening and diagnostic imaging. Mammography has been continuously modified and improved, most recently with tomosynthesis and contrast mammography, but it is still using modifications of compression 2D mammography. It is time to consider 3D imaging for this 3D structure. Cone-beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) is a revolutionary modality that will assist in overcoming the limitations of current imaging for dense breast tissue and overlapping structures. It also allows easy administration of contrast material for functional imaging. With a radiation dose on par with diagnostic mammography, rapid 10 s acquisition, no breast compression, and true high-resolution isotropic imaging, CBBCT has the potential to usher in a new era in breast imaging. These advantages could translate into lower morbidity and mortality from breast cancer.

Albuminuria Pre-Emptively Identifies Cardiac Patients at Risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a complication associated with the administration of contrast media (CM). The CIN diagnosis is based on creatinine, a biomarker late and insensitive. The objective proposed was to evaluate the ability of novel biomarkers to detect patients susceptible to suffering CIN before CM administration. The study was carried out with patients undergoing cardiac catheterization involving CM. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) CIN, patients who developed this pathology; (2) control, patients who did not suffer CIN. Prior to the administration of CM, urine samples were collected to measure proteinuria, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1, albumin, transferrin, t-gelsolin and GM2 ganglioside activator protein (GM2AP). The risk factors advanced age, low body mass index and low estimated glomerular filtration rate; and the urinary biomarkers albumin, transferrin and GM2AP showed significant predictive capacity. Of all of them, albuminuria demonstrated the highest diagnostic power. When a cutoff point was established for albuminuria at values still considered subclinical (10–30 µg/mg Cru), it was found that there was a high incidence of CIN (40–75%). Therefore, albuminuria could be applied as a new diagnostic tool to prevent and predict CIN with P4 medicine criteria, independently of risk factors and comorbidities.

Current Concepts in Intracranial Interstitial Fluid Transport and the Glymphatic System: Part II-Imaging Techniques and Clinical Applications.

The glymphatic system is a recently discovered network unique to the central nervous system that allows for dynamic exchange of interstitial fluid (ISF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). As detailed in part I, ISF and CSF transport along paravascular channels of the penetrating arteries and possibly veins allow essential clearance of neurotoxic solutes from the interstitium to the CSF efflux pathways. Imaging tests to investigate this neurophysiologic function, although challenging, are being developed and are reviewed herein. These include direct visualization of CSF transport using postcontrast imaging techniques following intravenous or intrathecal administration of contrast material and indirect glymphatic assessment with detection of enlarged perivascular spaces. Application of MRI techniques, including intravoxel incoherent motion, diffusion tensor imaging, and chemical exchange saturation transfer, is also discussed, as are methods for imaging dural lymphatic channels involved with CSF efflux. Subsequently, glymphatic function is considered in the context of proteinopathies associated with neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injury, cytotoxic edema following acute ischemic stroke, and chronic hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage. These examples highlight the substantial role of the glymphatic system in neurophysiology and the development of certain neuropathologic abnormalities, stressing the importance of its consideration when interpreting neuroimaging investigations. © RSNA, 2021.

Prognostic Significance of Targeted Magnetic Resonance Coronary Angiography to Predict Cardiac Events in Patients with Known or Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA) is one of the most promising tools for noninvasive imaging of coronary arteries without radiation exposure or contrast media administration. However, knowledge about the prognostic value of MRCA is limited. Materials and Methods: The present study included 389 patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent clinical cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) including MRCA imaging. The presence of a significant coronary artery stenosis was defined by visual estimation of ≥50% diameter reduction using targeted MRCA images. Patients were followed up for hard cardiac events (cardiac death or non-fatal myocardial infarction) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) which also included hospitalization for heart failure and late revascularization (>180 days after the CMR study). Results: The average age was 68±11 years and 48% were male. One hundred and thirty-nine patients had significant stenosis on MRCA. During a median follow-up period of 53.9 months, 23 hard cardiac events and 52 MACE, occurred. Patients with significant coronary artery stenosis had higher rates of hard cardiac events (annual event rate 3.12% versus 0.56%, HR 5.52, 95% CI 2.17 to 14.01, p<0.001) and MACE (annual event rate 6.44% versus 1.83%, HR 3.49, 95% CI 1.98 to 6.14, p<0.001) than those without significant stenosis. Multivariable analyses identified significant coronary artery stenosis as an independent predictor of hard cardiac events (HR 3.35, 95% CI 1.13 to 9.96, p=0.03) and MACE (HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.90, p=0.04). MRCA presented an incremental prognostic value over clinical factors, left ventricular ejection fraction, and myocardial scarring to predict hard cardiac events (p=0.03). Conclusion: Targeted MRCA demonstrated independent and incremental prognostic values to predict future cardiac events in patients with known or suspected CAD. Keywords: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; Coronary artery disease; Magnetic resonance coronary angiography; Prognosis

Incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia and identification of potential predictive factors.

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) is commonly used to investigate acute abdominal conditions, but the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) has been poorly investigated in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of CI-AKI in these patients and identify potential predictive factors. Patients admitted for acute mesenteric ischemia who had a diagnostic CTA with contrast medium and a follow-up of creatinine concentration were retrospectively included. Among 53 patients included, 9 (16.9%) developed CI-AKI. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease did not differ significantly between those who developed CI-AKI and those who did not (33.3 vs 18.2%, p=.372). Plasma total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin levels were significantly higher in patients who developed CI-AKI (17.5 vs 8.0μmol/L, p=.013 and 8.0 vs 3.0μmol/L, p=.031, respectively). The proportion of patients who had revascularization was similar between patients who developed CI-AKI and those who did not (11.1 vs 20.5%, p>.999). No significant difference was observed for 30-day mortality and all-cause mortality for a median follow-up of 168 days (22.2 vs 13.6%, p=.611; and 33.3 vs 61.4%, p=.153, respectively). This study reports the incidence of CI-AKI in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia after diagnostic CTA with contrast medium. Plasma bilirubin levels were a predictive factor of CI-AKI in these patients. The administration of contrast media during revascularization was not associated with an increased risk of CI-AKI.

Prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy with urine alkalinization: the TEATE study

Abstract Background Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) after coronary angiography and percutaneous interventions (PCI) impacts on hospitalization duration and mortality. Pre-procedural hydration is the sole strategy currently recommended for preventing CI-AKI. The role of sodium bicarbonate (SB) although attractive, since urine alkalinization suppresses the production of reactive oxygen species, is still controversial, and the optimal dosing to attain adequate urine alkalinization is still undefined. Purpose The PrevenTion of contrast-inducEd nephropathy with urine alkalinization (TEATE) study was a prospective 3-center 3-arm single-blind randomized controlled trial testing the hypothesis that adequate urine alkalinization is associated with CI-AKI prevention. Secondary endpoints were the efficacy of SB vs saline in achieving adequate urine alkalinization and reducing the incidence of CI-AKI compared with saline. Methods Patients candidate to coronary angiography and/or PCI with moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease [eGFR of 15 to 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation (MDRD)] were randomly assigned to saline hydration (control), oral SB or i.v. SB. The study protocol was registered. We evaluated urinary pH at the time of hospitalization, immediately before coronary angiography and 24–48 hours after angiography. According to urine pH immediately before the procedure, patients were divided in two groups above or below a pH cut-off of 6. Results We enrolled a total of 241 patients: 81 were randomly assigned to the control group, 82 to i.v. SB and 78 to oral SB. Patients achieving a urinary pH >6 before angiography had a lower incidence of CI-AKI (46%) than patients with urinary pH ≤6 (54%) [OR=0.48 (95% CI 0.25–0.9) p=0.023]. The number of patients with urine pH >6 was higher in both the i.v. (71%) and the oral SB (65%) groups compared to the hydration-only group (44%, p=0.004). We found however no difference in the incidence of CI-AKI in the 3 treatment arms (20% in hydration alone, 21% in oral SB group and 22% in iv SB group) (p=0.94). Subgroup analyses according to basal urine pH and eGFR ranges failed to identify statistically significant differences in the development of CI-AKI according to treatment allocation. Conclusions Urinary pH before the administration of contrast medium is an inverse correlate of CI-AKI incidence, and SB is superior to hydration alone in achieving urinary alkalinization. Since, however, SB did not reduce the incidence of CI-AKI, we conclude that urinary pH is a marker and not a mediator of CI-AKI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The female gender as a risk factor of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with chronic coronary syndromes

Abstract Background The female gender is a well known risk factor of acute kidney injury that is included in many score widely used by cardiologists for assessment of the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). The exact influence of gender in patients with chronic coronary syndromes requiring intraarterial contrast media administration remains to be established. Purpose The aim of our study was to assess the influence of gender on the risk of the development of CI-AKI in patients with chronic coronary syndromes, receiving optimal medical treatment and with indications for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Methods 1023 patients with chronic coronary syndromes and indications to PCI were included in the prospective cohort clinical study. The CI-AKI was defined as a rise in serum creatinine equal to or more than 25% from baseline. Preventive measures included the administration of 0,9% saline with intravenous infusion speed of 1 ml/kg/h (0,5 ml/kg/h for patients with heart failure) before and after the procedure. The contrast media used were either iodixanol or iopromide, which are both known to cause less adverse events than high-osmolar contrast media. Results The CI-AKI developed in 132 patients (12,9%). The number of male patients was higher than the female ones (741 and 282, 72,4% and 27,6% respectively). The 95% confidence interval of the means was −0,004 to 0,0088. The F test was performed to compare variances: F was 1,297, DFn 281, Dfd 740, the p value was statistically significant. The CI-AKI developed in 45 females (16% of all the female patients) and 87 males (11,7% of all the male patients). Female patients were more likely to be enrolled in the study in older age (presented in population pyramid). This fact is likely to be due to the menopause and natural history of chronic coronary syndromes in female gender. Conclusion The female gender is a significant risk factor of the CI-AKI development in patients with chronic coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous interventions. Women need to be screened and monitored more closely before any contrast media administration in catheterisation laboratory. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Sechenov University

Intravenous CT Contrast Media and Acute Kidney Injury: A Multicenter Emergency Department–based Study

Background Although the historical risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) after intravenous administration of contrast media might be overstated, the risk in patients with impaired kidney function remains a concern. Purpose To investigate whether intravenous contrast media administration during CT is associated with a higher risk of AKI and further hemodialysis compared with the risk in patients undergoing unenhanced CT. Materials and Methods This retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent contrast-enhanced or unenhanced CT in five Taiwanese emergency departments between 2009 and 2016. The outcomes were AKI within 48-72 hours after CT, AKI within 48 hours to 1 week after CT, or further hemodialysis within 1 month after CT. The associations between contrast media exposure and outcome were estimated by using an overlap propensity score weighted generalized regression model. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results The study included 68 687 patients (median age, 68 years; interquartile range, 53-74 years; 39 995 men) with (n = 31 103) or without (n = 37 584) exposure to contrast media. After propensity score weighting, contrast media exposure was associated with higher risk of AKI within 48-72 hours after CT (odds ratio [OR], 1.16; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.29; P = .007) but no significant risk at 48 hours to 1 week after CT (OR, 1.00; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.08; P = .90). Among patients with eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, exposure to contrast media was associated with a higher AKI risk (48-72 hours after CT: OR, 1.36; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.70; P = .007) (48 hours-1 week after CT: OR, 1.49; 95% CI: 1.27, 1.74; P < .001) and a higher risk of hemodialysis (OR, 1.36; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.70; P = .008). For patients with eGFR greater than 45 mL/min/1.73.m2, contrast media exposure was not associated with higher AKI risk (P > .05). Conclusion Contrast-enhanced CT was associated with higher risk of acute kidney injury and further hemodialysis among Taiwanese patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 but not those with an eGFR of more than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Imaging of postoperative complications following Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy

Postoperative imaging plays a key role in the identification of complications after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (ILE). Careful analysis of imaging examinations can help identify the cause of the presenting symptoms and the mechanism of the complication. The complex surgical procedure used in ILE results in anatomical changes that make imaging interpretation challenging for many radiologists. The purpose of this review was to make radiologists more familiar with the imaging findings of normal anatomical changes and those of complications following ILE to enable accurate evaluation of patients with an altered postoperative course. Anastomotic leak, gastric conduit necrosis and pleuropulmonary complications are the most serious complications after ILE. Computed tomography used in conjunction with oral administration of contrast material is the preferred diagnostic tool, although it conveys limited sensitivity for the diagnosis of anastomotic fistula. In combination with early endoscopic assessment, it can also help early recognition of complications and appropriate therapeutic management.

Serum neutrophil-gelatinase associated lipocalin as a predictor of post-contrast acute kidney injury in children

Abstract Background Diagnosis of post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) by serum creatinine can be delayed because of various factors. A new biomarker neutrophilgelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) is postulated to be more sensitive for recognizing patients prone to PC-AKI. Objective To assess serum NGAL changes as an early biomarker of PC-AKI in children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac catheterization. Methods This observational study included 30 children with congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac catheterization at the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Unit, New Children’s Hospital, Ain Shams University. They had a median age of 30 months and 63% were females. Serum NGAL was measured just before the catheterization, 6hrs and 24hrs after contrast media administration while serum creatinine was measured before and after 24hrs of contrast media administration. Results Significant rise of serum NGAL was noted within 24hrs after contrast administration (p &amp;lt; 0.05) while serum creatinine showed a non-significant rise (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Serum NGAL was positively correlated with age, weight, height, body surface area and rate of contrast injection (p &amp;lt; 0.01). Higher levels of serum NGAL were found among patients who underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization and those who received Midazolam for initial sedation during induction of anesthesia (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions Serum NGAL was elevated as early as 6 hours post contrast injection, however its serum level is affected by many factors. It’s important to be aware of other possible risk factors of PC-AKI rather than contrast media as type of cardiac catheterization and the anaesthetic Midazolam.

S2474 A Rare Case of Case of Steroid-Induced Bradycardia on a Patient With Crohn's Disease

Introduction: One of the corticosteroids uses is for patients with a prior allergic-like or unknown-type iodinated contrast reaction, receiving another iodinated contrast agent. Among the adverse effects of corticosteroids, cardiac arrhythmias have been reported to occur in 1% to 82% of patients receiving high doses of corticosteroids. Bradycardia is an uncommon event after corticosteroid administration and is often asymptomatic. Case Description/Methods: 31-year-old female with medical history of structuring/fistulizing crohns disease (CD), with prior resection of 18 inches of the small bowel, admitted due to suspected obstructing sigmoid stricture on ct without contrast in an outpatient setting. As high suspicion of large bowel obstruction, ct enterography (CTE) was ordered. As the patient previously reported an allergy to contrast agents, described as facial edema and respiratory distress, she underwent a predication protocol with intravenous corticosteroids. The protocol consisted of methylprednisolone 40 mg IV 5 hours and 1 hour before contrast medium administration and diphenhydramine 50 mg IV. After protocol doses patient presented with asymptomatic bradycardia, averaging at 45 btm. Serial electrocardiograms demonstrated sinus bradycardia with no ischemic changes or other identifiable arrhythmias. The patient could not complete CTE, as she denied study before commencing due to a nausea episode. With telemetry placed, the patient was monitored, and bradycardia resolved over 24 hours. A second premedication protocol to prevent contrast-induced allergy was given in a second attempt to obtain the CTE. She presented with another episode of sinus bradycardia that resolved after 24 hours of observation. As a patient with no history of cardiovascular disease and no identifiable medication that could cause bradycardia, it was concluded that the patient experienced an episode of corticosteroid-induced bradycardia Discussion: An exact etiology of corticosteroid-induced bradycardia has not been found, but there are proposed mechanisms. There have been 105 cases of bradycardia induced by corticosteroids in literature, and none reported in a patient with a history of CD. Therefore, this association may be underdiagnosed. Prompt detection of bradycardia in patients with CD, especially when leading up to surgery, is essential. More data and studies are needed to understand this adverse effect of corticosteroid use, particularly in patients with CD, considering the harmful development if not detected.

The comparison of different drip cholangiography: a randomised trial.

This study investigated the advantages and disadvantages of contrast media administration by gravity drip and manual push injection during cholangiography. A total of 100 patients who presented to the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, for a cholangiography between June 2019 to June 2020 were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups. One group of patients with manual injection of contrast (the N group, n=50), received the contrast agent via the traditional manual injection method whereby the doctor injects 50 mL of prepared contrast agent into the right side of the patient while continuously observing the effects on the bile duct. The other group of patients with gravity drip administration of contrast media (the O group, n=50), received the contrast agent via gravity drip at a rate of 80 drops per minute, and both clinicians and radiologists monitored the entire cholangiography process from a safe distance. Patients were followed up and angiographic satisfaction was assessed after two weeks. All 100 patients completed cholangiography without allergic reaction to the contrast medium. In the traditional injection group (N group), nine patients experienced upper abdominal discomfort with nausea, abdominal pain, chills, high fever, and other symptoms, and residual gallstones were observed in 12 patients. In patients in the gravity drip group (O group), four patients felt upper abdominal discomfort accompanied by nausea, abdominal pain, chills, high fever, and other symptoms, with residual gallstones detected in six patients. Patients who underwent gravity drip cholangiography had significantly reduced adverse reactions compared to patients who underwent traditional manual infusion cholangiography. Furthermore, gravity drip cholangiography resulted in clearer images and reduced X-ray exposure for medical staff. Thus, increased implementation of gravity drip cholangiography in the clinical setting should be considered. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800018202.

Role of MRI Diffusion Weighted Imaging in Evaluation of Gynecological Pelvic Masses

Background: Gynecological Pelvic masses are common problem that are commonly discovered during routine gynecologic or physical examinations. Radiologists routinely evaluate a wide range of pelvic masses during daily practice. Proper management depends on proper preoperative assessment with the help of clinical examination, laboratory tests and different imaging modalities. Radiological evaluation includes ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and recently magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) is widely used in protocols for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the female pelvis. It provides functional and structural information about biological tissues, without the use of ionizing radiation or intravenous administration of contrast medium. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of diffusion weighted imaging in the characterization of gynecological pelvic masses and differentiation between benign and malignant tumors. Patients and Methods: This study was performed on 63 patients. All patients had US findings of uterine and adnexal lesions then they underwent conventional MRI with contrast & DWI. Results: DWI is significant promising tool factors for characterization of gynecological tumors and differentiation between benign & malignant lesions with high sensitivity 95% (81%:99% with 95% CI). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of detection of the nature of the lesions have been increased after adding of DWI to the conventional imaging. Conclusions: Adding of DWI to the conventional MRI improves the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis and allows confident diagnosis and differentiation between benign and malignant lesions.

Use of Deep Learning to Predict Acute Kidney Injury After Intravenous Contrast Media Administration: Prediction Model Development Study.

BackgroundPrecise prediction of contrast media–induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is an important issue because of its relationship with poor outcomes.ObjectiveHerein, we examined whether a deep learning algorithm could predict the risk of intravenous CIAKI better than other machine learning and logistic regression models in patients undergoing computed tomography (CT).MethodsA total of 14,185 patients who were administered intravenous contrast media for CT at the preventive and monitoring facility in Seoul National University Hospital were reviewed. CIAKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of ≥0.3 mg/dL within 2 days or ≥50% within 7 days. Using both time-varying and time-invariant features, machine learning models, such as the recurrent neural network (RNN), light gradient boosting machine (LGM), extreme gradient boosting machine (XGB), random forest (RF), decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), κ-nearest neighbors, and logistic regression, were developed using a training set, and their performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) in a test set.ResultsCIAKI developed in 261 cases (1.8%). The RNN model had the highest AUROC of 0.755 (0.708-0.802) for predicting CIAKI, which was superior to that obtained from other machine learning models. Although CIAKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of ≥0.5 mg/dL or ≥25% within 3 days, the highest performance was achieved in the RNN model with an AUROC of 0.716 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.664-0.768). In feature ranking analysis, the albumin level was the most highly contributing factor to RNN performance, followed by time-varying kidney function.ConclusionsApplication of a deep learning algorithm improves the predictability of intravenous CIAKI after CT, representing a basis for future clinical alarming and preventive systems.

Role of Colchicine in Prevention of Contrast Induced Nephropathy in Patient Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Abstract Background Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a frequent complication after intravascular contrast media administration. The incidence of CIN in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI is around 19.8%. The pathophysiologic basis of CIN includes an oxidative stress and inflammatory process, and colchicine has been used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent to improve cardiovascular outcomes, hence the aim of the current study is to demonstrate the effect of colchicine on CIN in patients undergoing primary PCI. Patients and methods 100 STEMI patients planned for primary PCI were enrolled in this study. They were randomized into two groups of fifty patients: A control group receiving standard guideline based medical treatment alone and a study group receiving same treatment in addition to colchicine. CIN was defined based on serum creatinine that was measured repeatedly over 3 days, with absolute rise of 0.5mg/dl or relative rise of 25% or more from baseline signifying CIN. Results There was a trend towards lower CIN incidence, although not statistically significant, in patients receiving colchicine, in whom CIN incidence was 8%, in comparison to incidence of 20 in those receiving standard guideline-based therapy alone % (χ2 = 2.99 &amp; p = 0.083) with relative risk reduction of 60%. The reduction of CIN incidence was found to be statistically significant in diabetic subgroup, with CIN incidence of 32% in those receiving standard guideline-based therapy alone, in comparison to incidence of 7% in those receiving colchicine with p = 0.033. Multiple regression analysis including colchicine as a covariable concluded that colchicine use was the most important CIN risk lowering factor in the current study (β = -0.223 and p = 0.039). Conclusion There was a trend towards lower incidence of CIN in patients undergoing primary PCI receiving colchicine, although not statistically significant. However, this trend became significant when studied in diabetic subgroup.