Fatal reactions to intravenous nonionic contrast material
Article Abstract:
Contrast materials are used in radiology to enhance the images of tissues and organs. Traditionally, contrast agents with a high osmolality (which have a greater tendency to attract water and fluids) have been used. These agents can cause unpleasant or sometimes severe side effects, often a result of their osmotic properties. Recently, low-osmolality contrast materials (LOCM) have been introduced to avoid these side effects. They have been shown to be as effective for diagnosis as the traditional materials, but their cost is high. As a cautionary note regarding LOCM, this study discusses three cases of fatal reactions to these new materials. In each of the three cases, patients with no known allergies to the agents were given LOCMs as part of a computed tomographic (CT) diagnostic scan. The patients developed severe reactions to the agent and died. This type of reaction is a risk with any contrast material. This study does not show that LOCMs have a higher or a lower mortality rate than do the more traditional contrast materials. It merely indicates that before traditional contrast materials are completely replaced by costly LOCMs, the increased safety of LOCMs should be further demonstrated. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Radiology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0033-8419
Year: 1991
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Adrenal masses: evaluation with fast gradient-echo MR imaging and Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic studies
Article Abstract:
Use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of adrenal gland masses (tissue growth) has been improved with the use of a contrast agent, gadolinium (Gd) diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA). MR Gd-DTPA improves the quality of MR images by providing better resolution of both malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous) lesions (abnormal tissue or tumor growth). Use of an MR contrast agent also permits better differentiation of the suspected lesion from the surrounding tissue and organs. In addition to the use of Gd-DTPA, additional gains in image quality were achieved through a faster imaging sequence, which permitted a substantial reduction in imaging time and minimized the distorting effect of motion on MR images (respiration has a negative effect on MR image quality, particularly during slower imaging sequences). Fast Gd-DTPA MR permitted superior differentiation of benign from malignant adrenal tumors than was possible with computed tomography (CT) or other MR techniques. Results of the research suggest that fast MR imaging with Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic studies should be performed in all cases where adrenal masses must be evaluated for the presence of cancer.
Publication Name: Radiology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0033-8419
Year: 1989
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