Intravenous Iodinated Contrast Media Research Articles

Just give the contrast? Appraisal of guidelines on intravenous iodinated contrast media use in patients with kidney disease

ObjectiveTo appraise the quality of guidelines on intravenous iodinated contrast media (ICM) use in patients with kidney disease, and to compare the recommendations among them.MethodsWe searched four literature databases, eight guideline libraries, and ten homepages of radiological societies to identify English and Chinese guidelines on intravenous ICM use in patients with kidney disease published between January 2018 and June 2023. The quality of the guidelines was assessed with the Scientific, Transparent, and Applicable Rankings (STAR) tool.ResultsTen guidelines were included, with a median STAR score of 46.0 (range 28.5–61.5). The guidelines performed well in “Recommendations” domain (31/40, 78%), while poor in “Registry” (0/20, 0%) and “Protocol” domains (0/20, 0%). Nine guidelines recommended estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 as the cutoff for referring patients to discuss the risk-benefit balance of ICM administration. Three guidelines further suggested that patients with an eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and high-risk factors also need referring. Variable recommendations were seen in the acceptable time interval between renal function test and ICM administration, and that between scan and repeated scan. Nine guidelines recommended to use iso-osmolar or low-osmolar ICM, while no consensus has been reached for the dosing of ICM. Nine guidelines supported hydration after ICM use, but their protocols varied. Drugs or blood purification therapy were not recommended as preventative means.ConclusionGuidelines on intravenous ICM use in patients with kidney disease have heterogeneous quality. The scientific societies may consider joint statements on controversial recommendations for variable timing and protocols.Critical relevance statementThe heterogeneous quality of guidelines, and their controversial recommendations, leave gaps in workflow timing, dosing, and post-administration hydration protocols of contrast-enhanced CT scans for patients with kidney diseases, calling for more evidence to establish a safer and more practicable workflow.Key points• Guidelines concerning iodinated contrast media use in kidney disease patients vary.• Controversy remains in workflow timing, contrast dosing, and post-administration hydration protocols.• Investigations are encouraged to establish a safer iodinated contrast media use workflow.Graphical

Harmful effect of repetitive intravenous iodinated contrast media administration on the long-term renal function of patients with early gastric cancer

This retrospective study investigated whether repetitive exposure to intravenous iodinated contrast media (ICM) affects long-term renal function in patients who undergo curative surgery for early gastric cancer (EGC) collected from the Korean Health Insurance and Review Assessment (HIRA) database. Patients diagnosed with gastric cancer between January 2010 and December 2013 underwent regular computed tomography (CT) scans to monitor for extragastric recurrence. Patients who already had chronic kidney disease (CKD) before cancer diagnosis or had undergone chemotherapy or repeated surgery were excluded. A nested case–control study design was chosen to analyze the effect of repetitive ICM exposure to long-term renal function by comparing patients who developed CKD 2 years after cancer diagnosis and patients who did not. Among 59,971 patients collected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 1021 were diagnosed with CKD 2 years after cancer diagnosis. Using 1:5 matching after adjusting for age, sex and date of cancer diagnosis, 5097 control patients were matched to 1021 CKD patients. Conditional logistic regression showed that the number of CTs taken using ICM slightly increased the odds of CKD (odds ratio, 1.080; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.059, 1.100; P < 0.0001). Thus, the administration of ICM might contribute to chronic renal function impairment.

A prospective, multicenter, three-cohort study evaluating contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients with cirrhosis

Nephrotoxicity of intravenous iodinated contrast media (ICM) in cirrhosis is still a debated issue, due to scarce, low-quality and conflicting evidence. This study aims to evaluate the incidence and predisposing factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with cirrhosis undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). We performed a prospective, multicenter, cohort study including 444 inpatients, 148 with cirrhosis (cohort 1) and 163 without cirrhosis (cohort 3) undergoing CECT and 133 with cirrhosis (cohort 2) unexposed to ICM. Kidney function parameters were assessed at T0, 48-72h (T1), 5 and 7 days after CECT/enrollment. Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (U-NGAL) was measured in 50 consecutive patients from cohort 1 and 50 from cohort 2 as an early biomarker of tubular damage. AKI incidence was not significantly increased in patients with cirrhosis undergoing CECT (4.8%, 1.5%, 2.5% in cohorts 1,2, 3 respectively, p= n.s.). Most AKI cases were mild and transient. The presence of concomitant infections was the only independent predictive factor of contrast-induced AKI (odds ratio 22.18; 95% CI 2.87-171.22; p= 0.003). No significant modifications of U-NGAL between T0 and T1 were detected, neither in cohort 1 nor in cohort 2 (median ΔU-NGAL:+0.2 [-7.6 to+5.5] ng/ml,+0.0 [-6.8 to+9.5] ng/ml, respectively [p= 0.682]). AKI risk after CECT in cirrhosis is low and not significantly different from that of the general population or of the cirrhotic population unexposed to ICM. It mostly consists of mild and rapidly resolving episodes of renal dysfunction and it is not associated with tubular kidney injury. Patients with ongoing infections appear to be the only ones at higher risk of AKI. Nephrotoxicity due to intravenous iodinated contrast media (ICM) in patients with cirrhosis is still a debated issue, as the available evidence is limited and based on very heterogeneous studies, often conducted on small and retrospective cohorts. In this prospective three-cohort study we found that intravenous administration of ICM was associated with a low risk of AKI, similar to that of the general population and to that of patients with cirrhosis unexposed to ICM. Patients with ongoing infections were the only ones to have a significantly increased risk of contrast-induced AKI. Therefore, the actual recommendations of performing contrast imaging studies cautiously in cirrhosis do not seem to be reasonable anymore, with the exception of infected patients, who have a significantly higher risk of contrast-induced AKI.

Temporal trends of post-contrast acute kidney injury in patients with intravenous administration of iodinated contrast medium

Little is known about whether preventative practices for post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) recommended in guidelines have been adopted in clinical practice and translated into a lower incidence of PC-AKI. The aim of this study was to examine the yearly trends in the incidence of PC-AKI, and comorbidities and care practices associated with PC-AKI in hospitalized patients who received intravenous administration of iodinated contrast medium (ICM). Adult patients receiving intravenous ICM at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in China between 2015 and 2021 were included. Temporal trends in the incidence and risk factors for PC-AKI were evaluated using logistic regression analyses with adjustments for relevant variables. The incidence of PC-AKI has declined significantly from 5.3% in 2015 to 4.1% in 2021 (p < 0.001). This decreasing trend persisted after extensive multivariable adjustments. Of the comorbidities associated with PC-AKI, the proportion of patients with congestive heart failure or hypertension increased, while the proportion of patients older than 75 years, or with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, diabetic nephropathy, or renal stone disease decreased. Among the care practices associated with PC-AKI, the proportion of patients using nephrotoxic drugs decreased, whereas the proportion of patients receiving intravenous fluids > 1000 mL on the day of ICM administration or using iso-osmolar ICM increased. In conclusion, a declining trend in PC-AKI incidence was observed in patients receiving intravenous ICM between 2015 and 2021, which may be related to increased awareness and efforts to prevent PC-AKI.

Influence of contrast medium on tophus detection using dual-energy CT: phantom study and clinical illustration.

To investigate the influence of iodinated contrast medium (ICM) on detection of monosodium urate (MSU) with dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in two types of phantoms and demonstrate an example patient for clinical illustration. Approval is by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained. A grid-likeand a biophantom with 25 suspensions containing different concentrations of ICM (0 to 2%) and MSU (0 to 50%) were prepared and scanned with sequential single-source DECT using established methodology. Ascending orders of tube currents were applied at 80 kVp (16.5 to 220.0 mAs) and 135 kVp (2.75 to 19.25 mAs). Volume and mass measurements were performed using clinical gout software (dual-energy decomposition analysis). Numbers of true-positive and false-positive MSU detections were recorded and compared for different ICM concentrations. We demonstrate a patient with gouty arthritis for clinical illustration. Effects of ICM on MSU detection varied with the amount of iodine. Lower ICM concentrations (0.25 and 0.50%) improved detection of small uric acid concentrations of 35 to 45% in comparison to scans without ICM. However, high ICM concentrations (1 and 2%) almost completely precluded MSU detection for all MSU concentrations investigated. In a patient with gouty arthritis, tophi in the wrist were only detected after intravenous ICM administration. Exploring multimodal DECT for arthritis imaging, enhancement of ICM influences tophus detection. It can help in visualizing previously undetected MSU depositions but, with too strong enhancement, also obscure tophi. Use of iodinated contrast media in dual-energy CT might help in visualizing previously undetected uric acid depositions but, with too strong enhancement, obscure gouty tophi. • Iodine significantly influences the uric acid crystal detection in systematic phantom studies. • Lower iodine concentrations improved detection of low and medium uric acid concentrations. • High concentrations of iodine hampered detection of all uric acid concentrations.

Effects of intravenous hydration in preventing post-contrast acute kidney injury in patients with eGFR < 30mL/min/1.73 m2.

To investigate the effects of intravenous hydration in preventing post-contrast outcomes in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30mL/min/1.73 m2 undergoing intravenous administration of iodinated contrast media (ICM). Hospitalized patients with eGFR < 30mL/min/1.73 m2 and intravenous ICM exposure between 2015 and 2021 were included. Post-contrast outcomes include post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) (defined by 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) or European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR)), chronic dialysis at discharge, and in-hospital mortality. Confounding effects between the two groups were reduced to a minimum using propensity score-based matching and overlap weighting. Association between intravenous hydration and outcomes was analyzed using logistic regression. In total, 794 patients were included in the study, with284 receiving intravenous hydration, and 510 not. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 210 pairs were generated. No significant differences were found in the outcomes between the intravenous hydration and no intravenous hydration groups: PC-AKI by KDIGO, 25.2% vs 24.8% (odds ratio (OR), 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.57-1.50); PC-AKI by ESUR, 31.0% vs 25.2% (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.86-2.08); chronic dialysis at discharge, 4.3% vs 3.3% (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 0.56-4.50); in-hospital mortality, 1.9% vs 0.5% (OR, 4.08; 95% CI, 0.58-81.08). Overlap propensity score-weighted analysis alsoshowed no significant effects of intravenous hydration on the incidences of the post-contrast outcomes. Intravenous hydration was not associated with lower risks of PC-AKI, chronic dialysis at discharge, and in-hospital mortality in patients with eGFR < 30mL/min/1.73 m2 undergoing intravenous administration of ICM. This study provides new evidence in supporting that intravenous hydration is not beneficial to patients with eGFR < 30mL/min/1.73 m2 before and after intravenous administration of iodinated contrast media. • Intravenous hydration before and after intravenous administration of ICM is not associated with lower risks in PC-AKI, chronic dialysis at discharge, and in-hospital mortality in patients with eGFR < 30mL/min/1.73 m2. • Withholding intravenous hydration may be considered in patients with eGFR < 30mL/min/1.73 m2 around intravenous administration of ICM.

Clinical features and risk factors of iodinated contrast media (ICM)-induced anaphylaxis

PurposeTo evaluate the clinical features and risk factors of iodinated contrast media (ICM)-induced anaphylaxis. MethodsThis retrospective study included all patients undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) with intravenous ICM administration (iopamidol, iohexol, iomeprol, iopromide, ioversol) at our hospital between April 2016 and September 2021. Medical records of patients who experienced anaphylaxis were reviewed, and the multivariable regression model using generalized estimating equations was employed to eliminate the effect of intrapatient correlation. ResultsOf the 76,194 ICM administrations (44,099 men [58 %] and 32,095 women; age, median, 68 years) to 27, 696 patients, anaphylaxis occurred in 45 cases in 45 different patients (0.06 % of administration and 0.16 % of patients), all with onset within 30 min after administration. Thirty-one (69 %) had no risk factors for ADRs, including 14 (31 %) who had previously used the same ICM that caused anaphylaxis. Thirty-one patients (69 %) had a history of ICM use without any ADRs. Four patients (8.9 %) received oral steroid premedication. The only factor associated with anaphylaxis was the type of ICM, with an odds ratio (OR) of 6.8 (p < 0.001) for iomeprol with iopamidol as a reference. No significant differences in OR of anaphylaxis were found for patients’ age, sex, or premedication. ConclusionThe overall incidence of anaphylaxis due to ICM was very low. More than half of the cases had no risk factors for ADRs and had no ADRs on past ICM administration, although the ICM type was associated with a higher OR.

A NOVEL RAT MODEL OF CONTRAST-INDUCED ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY BASED ON RENAL CONGESTION AND THE RENO-PROTECTION OF MITOCHONDRIAL FISSION INHIBITION.

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a serious and common complication in patients receiving intravenous iodinated contrast medium (CM). Clinically, congestive heart failure is the most critical risk factor for CI-AKI and always leads to renal congestion for increased central venous pressure and fluid overload. Here, we aimed to investigate a novel CI-AKI rat model based on renal congestion. After the exploratory testing phase, we successfully constructed a CI-AKI rat model by inducing renal congestion by clamping the unilateral renal vein, removing the contralateral kidney, and a single tail vein injection of iohexol. This novel CI-AKI rat model showed elevated serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and released tubular injury biomarkers (KIM-1 and NGAL), reduced glomerular filtration rate, and typical pathologic features of CM-induced tubular injury with extensive foamy degeneration, tubular edema, and necrosis. Electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning revealed excessive mitochondrial fission and increased translocation of Drp1 from the cytoplasm to the mitochondrial surface in tubular epithelial cells. As a Drp1 inhibitor, Mdivi-1 attenuated excessive mitochondrial fission and exerted reno-protection against CM injury. Simultaneously, Mdivi-1 alleviated oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses induced by CM toxicity. We concluded that renal congestion exacerbated CM toxicity and presented a novel CI-AKI rat model. Excessive mitochondrial fission plays a crucial role in CM reno-toxicity and is a promising target for preventing and treating CI-AKI.

Inadvertent Thyroid Radiation During Computed Tomography of the Chest: A Retrospective Study.

The thyroid, along with the breast, lung, and bone marrow, is among the most radiosensitive organs. This study aims to assess the rate of unnecessary radiation exposure to the thyroid gland in patients who had chest Computed Tomography (CT) at a large teaching hospital. Hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study on 1,306 patients who underwent chest CT from July 2018 to January 2019. Thyroid gland inclusion along with the CT dose of the studies was evaluated. Data was collected by evaluating chest CT scans from Picture Archive and Communication System (MedWeb). Out of 1306 patients, who had Chest CT scans intravenous iodinated contrast media was used in 95.4% of the CT scans. The thyroid was included in 99.8% of the scans, out of which 76.9% included the whole thyroid gland. Among the patients who had previous CT scans, 75.3% had one previous scan and 24.7% had two previous scans. DLP (Dose Length Product) in mGycm was lower in females (360.33±32) compared to males (426.45±378.4). The lowest DLP value was observed in the pediatric patients in the age range of 1-5 years which was 146.83, while the highest was observed among those above 18 years of age with mean DLP of 418.31. The majority of chest CT scans unnecessarily include the whole thyroid gland, which is one of the most sensitive organs for radiation-induced effects. Authors recommend optimized technique for chest scans to avoid future impacts.

A Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors and Impact of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Children.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious clinical condition in critically ill children and is associated with worse outcomes. A few pediatric studies focused on the risk factors of AKI. We aimed to identify the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of AKI in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). All the patients admitted to PICU over a period of 20 months were included. We compared both groups the risk factors between AKI and non-AKI. A total of 63 patients (17.5%) of the 360 patients developed AKI during PICU stay. The presence of comorbidity, diagnosis of sepsis, increased PRISM III score, and positive renal angina index were found to be risk factors for AKI on admission. Thrombocytopenia, multiple organ failure syndrome, the requirement of mechanical ventilation, use of inotropic drugs, intravenous iodinated contrast media, and exposure to an increased number of nephrotoxic drugs were independent risk factors during the hospital stay. The patients with AKI had a lower renal function on discharge and had worse overall survival. AKI is prevalent and multifactorial in critically sick children. The risk factors of AKI may be present on admission and during the hospital stay. AKI is related to prolonged mechanical ventilation days, longer PICU stays, and a higher mortality rate. Based on the presented results early prediction of AKI and consequent modification of nephrotoxic medication may generate positive effects on the outcome of critically ill children.

Risk of Acute Kidney Injury Following Contrast-enhanced CT in a Cohort of 10 407 Children and Adolescents.

Background Previous studies have challenged the concept of contrast material-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in adults; however, limited data exist for children and adolescents. Purpose To calculate the incidence and determine the risks of AKI in patients who received intravenous iodinated contrast media for CT. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was performed at a children's hospital from January 2008 to January 2018 and included patients aged 0-17 years in whom serum creatinine levels were measured within 48 hours before and after CT with or without contrast media. The incidence of AKI was measured according to the AKI Network guidelines. A subgroup analysis with propensity score matching of cases with control patients was performed. Differences before and after stratification based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were explored. Adjusted risk models were developed using log-binomial generalized estimating equations to estimate relative risk (RR). Results From a total of 54 000 CT scans, 19 377 scans from 10 407 patients (median age, 8.5 years; IQR, 3-14; 5869 boys, 4538 girls) were included in the analysis. Incidence rate of AKI for the entire sample was 1.5%; it was 1.4% (123 of 8844) in the group that underwent contrast-enhanced CT and 1.6% (171 of 10 533) in the group that did not (P = .18). In the contrast-enhanced CT group, AKI incidence was higher in the group with eGFR of at least 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and in the group with eGFR lower than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (1.3% and 8.5%, respectively; P < .001) compared with the noncontrast group (0.1% and 2.7%, respectively; P < .001). Age was found to be a protective factor against AKI, with an RR of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94, 0.99; P = .01), and contrast media increased risk in the subgroup analysis, with an RR of 2.19 (95% CI: 1.11, 4.35; P = .02). Conclusion The overall incidence of acute kidney injury after contrast-enhanced CT in children and adolescents was very low, and exposure to contrast media did not increase the risk consistently for acute kidney injury among different groups and analyses. © RSNA, 2022 See also the editorial by McDonald in this issue.

Contrast-enhanced mammography-guided biopsy: technical feasibility and first outcomes

ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM)-guided biopsy at Hospital del Mar, a Spanish university hospital.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all consecutive women with a suspicious enhancing finding eligible for CEM-guided biopsy, who were prospectively enrolled in a pre-marketing clinical validation and feasibility study (October 2019 to September 2021). CEM-guided biopsy is a stereotactic-based procedure that, by using intravenous iodinated contrast media administration and dual-energy acquisition, provides localisation of enhancing lesions. All the biopsies were performed using a vacuum-assisted device. We collected procedural characteristics (patient position and type of approach), and histopathological results. Feasibility endpoints included success (visualisation of the enhancing lesion, post-procedural biopsy changes and clip placement), procedural time, number of scout acquisitions and complications.ResultsA total of 66 suspicious enhancing lesions (18.0% foci, 44.0% mass, 38.0% non-mass enhancement; median size 8.5 mm) in 64 patients (median age 59 years, mostly minimal [48.4%] or mild [32.8%] background parenchymal enhancement) were referred for CEM-guided biopsy in the study period. The success rate was 63/66 (95.4%). Amongst successful procedures, patients were most frequently seated (52/63, 82.5%) and the preferred approach was horizontal (48/63, 76.2%). Median total time per procedure was 15 min. Median number of acquisitions needed before targeting was 2 (range 1–4). Complications consisted of hematoma (17/63, 27%) and vasovagal reaction (2/63, 3.2%). At histology, the malignancy rate was 25/63 (39.7%).ConclusionIn this first patient series, CEM-guided breast biopsy was feasible, with success and complication rates similar to those previously reported for magnetic resonance guidance.Key points• CEM may be used to guide biopsy of enhancing lesions through a stereotactic-based procedure combined with intravenous iodinated contrast media administration and dual-energy acquisition.• In this first patient series (n = 64), the success rate of CEM-guided biopsy was above 95%, the only complications were hematoma (22.2%) and vasovagal reaction (3.2%), and median total time per procedure was 15 min.• CEM-guided biopsy is feasible and could potentially be a widely available biopsy technique for enhancing-only lesions.

Statement from the ACR Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media on the Intravenous Iodinated Contrast Media Shortage.

The ACR Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media, within the ACR Commission on Quality and Safety, is aware of the current global shortage of iodinated contrast media. The following statement offers some recommendations on how providers may address this emergency locally. The recommendations are not exhaustive or prescriptive. They are intended as a resource for imaging providers and their institutions to continue to provide high-quality patient care during times of shortage of contrast media. Providers and administrative leaders are encouraged to incorporate sound clinical judgment in all decisions affecting patient care.

Safety of intravenous iodinated contrast medium injection in rabbits undergoing conscious computed tomography.

BackgroundContrast media in CT is widely used in dogs and cats to provide superior tissue delineation and increase the diagnostic capabilities. These contrast‐enhanced imaging techniques are gaining popularity in rabbits; published studies reporting the safety of doing so are lacking.MethodsThis retrospective observational study aimed to determine the incidence of adverse events following the intravenous administration of iodinated non‐ionic contrast medium in 350 rabbits. The medical records of this subset of rabbits admitted between January 2009 and November 2018, that underwent CT examination and received intravenous contrast media, were evaluated.ResultsFrom the 350 rabbits, 342 rabbits were still alive 7 days after the scan. A total of eight rabbits died within 7 days of the scan, seven of which within the first 24 h. All deaths were presumed to be sequelae to the diseases they were being investigated for and not thought to be related to the administration of intravenous contrast medium.ConclusionsThe results indicated that the use of intravenous non‐iodinated contrast medium was well tolerated and safe in rabbits undergoing conscious CT examination.

The weight is over – CT contrast dosing by weight, an easy application in a DGH setting

Background: Historically a fixed dose of intravenous iodinated contrast medium has been used for portal venous phase abdominal computed tomography (CT). However, with increasing body mass indices, the patient populations now scanned have a wider weight distribution than ever. This results in a subjective variation in abdominal organ enhancement depending on patient weight. Patients of low weight are felt to have examinations with excessive iodinated contrast, whereas those of large weight have examinations with insufficient iodinated contrast. There is good evidence in the literature to support weight-based contrast administration, but some of the published tables can be unwieldy. We wanted to create a table that is easy and efficient to use in a busy district general hospital (DGH) setting.

Clinical impact of allergy and pre-medication in CT studies with low-osmolality intravenous iodinated contrast media

To evaluate the occurrence and severity of allergic reactions to iodinated contrast media (ICM), including associated risk factors and the impact of pre-medication. Data on patients who had experienced allergic reactions during outpatient computed tomography (CT) examinations between January 2014 and September 2018 were analysed retrospectively. Response severity was assessed according to validated criteria. A control group was selected among individuals who underwent CT during the study period and did not experience allergic reactions. Screening of 36,920 CT studies revealed 74 (0.2%) individuals with systemic reactions to ICM. No significant differences in patient characteristics were found among patients who experienced mild (n=54), moderate (n=17), or severe (n=4) reactions. Previous ICM allergy was reported in 10 patients (13.3%). Patients with a history of ICM allergy had mild (9/10) or moderate (1/10) reactions, with one individual showing decreased intensity of the allergic response compared to a previous event. Within the control group, four patients (4%) had previous ICM allergy. In these individuals, lack of allergic reactions could not be attributed to pre-medication. All patients with severe reactions did not have a prior history of ICM allergy. Severe allergic reactions to ICM are rare, lack significant risk factors, and do not appear to be impacted by pre-medication. The findings presented herein highlight the need for prospective work that will re-evaluate the yield of pre-medication protocols.

Determination of differences in dosimetry with and without intravenous contrast media for radiotherapy planning in the anatomical region of the head and neck

In radiotherapy (RT), to determine the tumor volume (TV) and its morphology, computed tomography (CT) is used, acquiring images without and with intravenous iodinated contrast media (CM), where its influence has been poorly studied usually in artificial phantoms. Computerized dosimetries without and with CM from 10 CT of head and neck were analyzed using a before-after design. The same study group served as a control. Point doses and dose-area histogram (DAH) were evaluated, as well as a dose-volume histogram (DVH), using Student's t-test with 5% significance. Before and after administering CM, the average difference between point doses was –0.09% within the confidence interval (CI) 0.27% and –0.45%, with a standard deviation (SD) 0.52%. The average doses using DAH, resulted in a mean difference of 0.02%, within the 0.2% CI and -0.16%, with 0.27% SD. The standard volume within 100% of the dose utilizing DVH analysis resulted in an average of the differences of 0.1%, with CI 1.34% and –1.14% and SD 1.76%. The t-test of difference of means for paired designs, with α=0.05 found that there are no significant differences between the study and control groups for the different dose reading methods.

Is intravenous iodinated contrast medium administration really harmful in hospitalized acute kidney injury patients: a propensity score-matched study.

To evaluate the effects of intravenous iodinated contrast medium (ICM) administration on the deterioration of renal function (DRF), new renal replacement therapy (RRT) induction and mortality of hospitalized acute kidney injury (AKI) patients. Adult hospitalized patients undergoing a contrast-enhanced or unenhanced CT scan within 7 days after AKI diagnosis from January 2015 to December 2019 were identified in this retrospective study. Propensity score matching was performed. Outcomes in 7 and 30 days after CT scan were compared between the contrast and non-contrast groups. Additional analyses were also performed in patients stratified by SCr levels at AKI diagnosis, times and time of CT scan, and in patients without chronic kidney disease or RRT requirement prior to CT scan. In total, 1172 pairs were generated after 1:1 propensity score matching from 1336 cases exposed to ICM and 2724 unexposed. No significant differences were found in the outcomes between the two groups: DRF, 7.8% vs 9.0% (odds ratio (OR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-1.11) in 7 days, 5.1% vs 5.4% (OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.64-1.34) in 30 days; new RRT induction, 2.3% vs 3.3% (OR 0.72,95%CI 0.43-1.18) in 7 days, 4.2% vs 4.5% (OR 0.95,95%CI 0.64-1.41) in 30 days; and mortality, 3.9% vs 4.8% (OR 0.83,95%CI 0.56-1.22) in 7 days, 9.0% vs 10.2% (OR 0.88,95%CI 0.68-1.15) in 30 days. Subset analyses showed similar results. Intravenous ICM administration during AKI duration did not increase the risks of DRF, new RRT induction, and mortality in 7 and 30 days after CT scan. • Intravenous ICM administration in hospitalized AKI patients does not increase the risks of deterioration of renal function, RRT induction, and mortality in 7 and 30 days after CT scan. • The effects of intravenous ICM on adverse outcomes are minimal even in AKI patients with high level of SCr values or multiple CT scans.

Incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy after a computed tomography scan

Background and aimsThe term contrast-induced nephropathy is used to describe acute deterioration of renal function after the intravenous administration of iodinated contrast material. We aimed to estimate the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy and to analyze the evolution of different biomarkers of renal function in patients who underwent computed tomography with intravenous contrast administration after premedication with oral hydration and N-acetylcysteine. Material and methodsThis prospective observational study included 112 patients with chronic renal failure (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 30ml–60ml/min/1.73m2) scheduled for computed tomography with intravenous iodinated contrast material. We recorded demographic variables, dose of contrast material, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and serum hemoglobin. We measured serum creatinine and GFR after premedication and after the CT examination. We summarized variables as means, standard deviations, and percentages. We used the Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests to compare pre- and post-CT values and Pearson's r to analyze correlations. ResultsIncidence acute kidney injury: 0.9%; 95%CI: 0.36–1.4. Mean difference between pre- and post-CT creatinine: 0.04; 95%CI: 0.002–0.09, p<0.004. Mean difference between pre- and post-CT GFR: −3.06; 95%CI: −4.66 to −1.47), p<0.001. ConclusionsThe incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with chronic renal failure and GFR 30ml–60ml/min/1.73m2 is low. The biomarkers of renal function analyzed improve in patients who receive premedication and the minimum dose of contrast material.

Radiology departmental policy compliance with Swedish guidelines regarding post-contrast acute kidney injury for examinations with iodinated contrast media

IntroductionGuidelines concerning intravenous iodinated contrast media (CM) during computed tomography (CT) examinations are important to follow to minimize the risk for post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI). The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiology departmental policy compliance with Swedish guidelines concerning PC-AKI. MethodsIn February 2020, an electronic survey was distributed to the responsible radiographer at 41 radiology departments in all university hospitals and medium-sized hospitals in Sweden. The questions focused on routines around renal functional tests, individualized contrast administration and handling of patients with diabetes mellitus taking metformin. ResultsThe response rate was 83%. Seventy-six percent (n = 26) of radiology departments calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from serum creatinine prior to CM administration, but only 24% (n = 8) followed the recommendation to calculate eGFR from both serum creatinine and cystatin C. For acute/inpatients, 55% (n = 18) followed the recommendation that renal functional tests should be performed within 12 h before CM administration. For elective patients, 97% (n = 33) followed the recommendation to have eGFR newer than three months which is acceptable for patients with no history of disease that may have affected renal function. Approximately 80% of the radiology departments followed the recommendation that CM dose always should be individually adjusted to patient eGFR. Seventy-six percent (n = 26) followed the recommendation to continue with metformin at eGFR ≥ 45 ml/min. ConclusionCompliance with the national guidelines was high regarding routines around renal functional tests, dose adjustment of CM and metformin discontinuation. Improvements can be made in using both cystatin C and serum creatinine for eGFR calculations as well as ensuring renal function tests within 12 h for acute/inpatients with acute disease that may affect renal function. Implications for practiceThis study raises awareness of the importance of adhering to guidelines in healthcare. To have knowledge about the current level of compliance regarding PCI-AKI is important to maintain and develop effective clinical implementation of guidelines. The variation in practice seen in this study emphasizes the need of more effective implementation strategies to ensure adherence with best practice.