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Contrast is a substance that facilitates the diagnosis of, inter alia, coronary artery disease, multiple sclerosis and various types of cancer. It reacts with X-rays, so it is administered before an MRI scan, computed tomography and coronary angiography. Is contrast safe? What types of contrast are used in modern medicine?
Contrast – what is it and what is it for?
Contrast, otherwise contrast agent, is a chemical used in x-ray diagnostics to perform tests such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and coronary angiography (coronary angiography). Less frequently, it is used in ultrasound examinations, e.g. echocardiography. Contrast has the ability to absorb X-rays, thanks to which it shades the image obtained in the tests and significantly improves its readability. It reveals the details of the structure of structures, which can be both whole tissues and individual organs.
For crafting contrast in medicine mainly the salts of barium and the iodine compound are used. Barium is mostly used in gastrointestinal studies, while iodine is used in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Low-osmolar preparations (without iodine) are best tolerated, but their use in hospitals is rare due to the cost of these substances. Contrast agents enter the body by intravenous or oral route.
Contrast – side effects
Contrast is generally not harmful to health. It is completely excreted from the body through the urinary system. It is not involved in metabolic changes. However, the patient has to sign consent to diagnosis and treatment with the use of contrastbecause there is a risk of side effects. They include, among others allergic reaction, nausea, headache, feeling hot, profuse sweating. Anaphylactic shock due to allergy is extremely rare. In order to avoid it, a biological test is carried out before administering the correct dose of contrast.
Contrast and kidneys, thyroid and liver
It happens that the contrast has an impact on the functioning of the kidneys, especially in patients over 65 and under 10 years of age. It can cause nephropathy, which is reduced kidney function and requires dialysis. In front of contrast test the serum creatinine level should be determined. GRF below 30 is a sign that the administration of contrast is associated with a very high risk of complications. In addition to renal failure, contraindications to the use of some contrast agents are hepatic, circulatory and respiratory failure (e.g. asthma).
About the disease before applying iodine contrast people with hyperthyroidism and type 2 diabetes should also notify their physicians. Otherwise, the examination may result in exacerbation of symptoms and complications. This is prevented by the earlier administration of a thyrostatic drug (in the case of the thyroid gland) or discontinuation of drugs with metformin (in the case of diabetes).
Contrast and breastfeeding and pregnancy
Contrast-enhanced examination in pregnant women is performed when the patient’s life is at risk or when possible complications are less of a threat than the lack of diagnostics. Contrast media can be administered to nursing mothers, bearing in mind that the milk produced in the breast within XNUMX hours of the examination is not suitable for administration to the baby and should be expressed.
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