Contrast Media in Radiology what is used and why

Contrast Media in Radiology what is used and whyIntroduced byAbdulrahman AlquaitMedical imaging MSc student

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-What is a contrast medium or contrast agent?

It is a substance used to enhance the contrast of structures or fluids within the body in medical imaging.

contrast agentatDorland's Medical Dictionary

How can we achieve this?

What type of imaging modality being used?

What part of the body being investigated?

X-Ray (Plain Films, Fluoroscopy and CT)

Beam attenuation.

MRI

T1 & T2 Relaxation times.

Ultrasound Decreasing reflection or increasing backscatter of echoes.

Types of contrast media in Radiography.Positive Contrast Agents.High atomic number.(e.g. iodine(53) and Barium(56))

Negative Contrast Agents.Low atomic number.(e.g. carbon dioxide (CO2) and air)

Positive contrast medium

Water insoluble.Barium sulphate.Barium meals and barium enemas to study the GI tract.

Positive contrast medium

Positive contrast mediumWater soluble.Iodine compounds.Intravascular injections.

Positive contrast medium

Safety Barium contrast media are generally safe if no GI perforation is present.

Iodinated contrast media are relatively safe.Reactions probability:Minor reactions: 12.66% ICM, 3.13% NICMMajor reactions: 0.2% ICM, 0.04% NICM

Katayama H, et al.Adverse reactions to ionic and nonionic contrast media. A report from the Japanese Committee on the Safety of Contrast Media.Radiology.Jun1990;175(3):621-8