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Contrast media
Advances in diagnostic imaging have contributed to significant developments in ancillary areas, among which contrast agents are of particular importance. This allows to examine structures (i.e. parenchyma, vessels and excretory systems) that would otherwise be impossible to visualize and characterize for a correct diagnosis. The remarkable tolerability of the latest generation of contrast agents has been achieved through progressive refinements in chemical and pharmacological technology. Contrast media can be administered in one of three ways:
- Ingested (taken orally)
- Administered as an enema (rectally)
- Injected intravenously or intra-arterially
Contrast media can be divided into four main categories:
1. Non-ionic iodinated contrast media for X-ray studies, Computed Tomography (CT), Angiography and Interventional procedures; these contrast media can also be injected into fluid spaces of the spine and other body cavities (i.e. fluid collections, abscesses, etc.) to improve the accuracy of diagnosis.
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agents are used to enhance the visibility of body structures in MRI and are gadolinium-based. MRI contrast agents affect the relaxation times of atoms within tissues after intravenous administration and allow contrast variation to be detected; they therefore play a key role in most MRI examinations.
3. Barium sulphate-based contrast agents are used in X-ray and computed tomography (CT) examinations. Barium sulphate is an orally and rectally administered contrast agent and is available in various forms (e.g. powder, which is mixed with water before administration, liquids, pastes, tablets).
4. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is the application of a contrast in traditional clinical ultrasound examination. Commercially available contrast media consist of micro-bubbles containing gas and are administered intravenously. Microbubbles have a high degree of echogenicity, i.e. the ability of an object to reflect ultrasound waves.
