Contrast Media in Medical Imaging

A type of contrast media that accumulates in the gallbladder, allowing visualization of bile stones as transparent areas on an abdominal x-ray.

A procedure used to visualize bile ducts when ERCP is not possible, involving inserting a needle into the bile ducts under ultrasonic guidance.

Contrast media based on a tri-iodine benzol ring with side chains, used for various imaging procedures.

Hydrophilic contrast media with carboxyl side chains.

Hydrophilic contrast media with hydroxyl side chains; do not dissociate in water.

The effect of contrast media on red blood cells due to osmotic pressure difference, potentially causing thrombosis.

Side effects of iodine-containing contrast media, including nausea, vomiting, arrhythmia, and potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions.

A serious complication of iodine-containing contrast media in patients with pre-existing thyroid disease, characterized by a hyperthyroid state.

The difference in brightness between the darkest and lightest areas an image can display. A higher contrast ratio means deeper blacks and better image quality.

A substance used in medical imaging to improve the visibility of internal structures by altering their density or transparency.

Contrast media that increase the density or absorption of X-rays, making them appear brighter on an image.

Contrast media that decrease the density or absorption of X-rays, making them appear darker on an image.

A type of positive contrast media containing barium sulfate, used for examining the digestive system.

An iodine-based contrast media used for examining the gallbladder and bile ducts.

A barium sulfate suspension given orally or rectally to examine the digestive tract. It is used to visualize the shape and function of the gastrointestinal tract.

A type of iodine-containing contrast media that is safer than barium sulfate if bowel perforation is suspected.

A serious, life-threatening metabolic syndrome in diabetic patients caused by the accumulation of lactate in the blood and associated acidosis.

A type of medication that can be used to treat diabetes, but can accumulate in the body if renal function is impaired leading to lactic acidosis.

A condition where kidney function is decreased, often a complication of diabetes.

A type of imaging contrast media that contains iodine and can further impair kidney function, temporarily.

A potentially fatal condition caused by an overreaction of the body's immune system to a substance in contrast media.

A situation where a patient has an abnormally high level of thyroid hormone, which is a major contraindication for iodine-containing contrast media.

A type of protein found in the blood of patients with myeloma multiplex, which can get stuck in the kidney tubules and worsen kidney function.

A rare condition where the adrenal glands produce too much adrenaline, which can cause a hypertensive crisis if not managed properly before contrast media administration.

Ultrasound contrast media (SonoVue) are microbubbles that enhance ultrasound signals, improving visualization of internal structures.

SonoVue microbubbles contain sulfur hexafluoride gas encapsulated within a phospholipid shell.

SonoVue microbubbles are small enough (2-3 microns) to pass through the pulmonary capillary bed, allowing them to reach the target area.

SonoVue is used to diagnose focal liver lesions, assess blood flow dynamics, and differentiate liver conditions. It can also be used for kidney imaging.

SonoVue stays in circulation and exits through the lungs, making it useful in patients with renal impairment.

SonoVue requires special software and a compatible ultrasound machine for proper visualization and analysis.

Because SonoVue is eliminated through the lungs, it can be administered to patients with impaired kidney function, which is not always possible with other contrast agents.

The ultrasound waves bounce back from the SonoVue microbubbles, increasing the signal strength, which enhances the image clarity.

When eGFR is greater than 60 ml/min/1.73m² or serum creatinine is normal, metformin can be stopped on the day of the exam. For eGFR between 30-60 ml/min/1.73m² or elevated creatinine, stop metformin 48 hours before and after the exam, but only restart if creatinine levels rise. Metformin is contraindicated if eGFR is less than 30 ml/min/1.73m².

A serious, life-threatening metabolic syndrome in diabetic patients characterized by lactate accumulation in the blood, leading to acidosis. Symptoms include GI distress, muscle aches, hyperventilation, confusion, and coma. It can be dangerous as it has a high mortality rate.

Substances used in medical imaging to improve the visibility of internal structures by altering their density or transparency. They come in two main types: positive, which make areas appear brighter, and negative, which make them appear darker.

Iron-oxide CM are superparamagnetic nanoparticles that lower T2 signal in organs they accumulate in. They are used in liver cancer and lymph node imaging. Cancerous cells don't accumulate, but healthy cells do.

Lipiodol, a mixture of poppyseed oil and iodine, is highly sensitive for detecting liver cancer (HCC). It also helps in delivering chemotherapy directly to tumors. Images from different modalities can be used together for a more comprehensive diagnosis.

Superparamagnetic and paramagnetic contrast media are most commonly used in MRI. Paramagnetic media act as positive contrast by shortening T1 relaxation time, while superparamagnetic media are negative contrast that shorten T2 relaxation time.

Diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and superparamagnetic. These are properties of materials related to how they interact with a magnetic field. Paramagnetic and Superparamagnetic are commonly used in MR.

A serious complication of iodine contrast media in patients with pre-existing thyroid disease. Characterized by an overactive thyroid gland.